I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Skillet

This comforting one-pan meal features tender chicken, creamy orzo, and plenty of Parmesan cheese for a hug in a bowl.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Craving something rich and satisfying but short on time? This creamy Parmesan chicken and orzo skillet is the answer! Everything cooks right in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It's a family-friendly dish that delivers big on flavor and comfort.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the orzo pasta, tossing to coat. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If using, add the frozen peas.

  5. Step 5

    Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. Step 6

    Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
  • Don't forget to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

More recipes you'll love

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Weeknight•50 min
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

A deeply flavorful, comforting chicken and rice dish that cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.