One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces combine with creamy orzo and peas in a flavorful broth, making it a satisfying dish all in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion to the same pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and Italian seasoning. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
• Add chopped spinach or kale along with the peas for extra greens.
• For more flavor, sauté the chicken with a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines tender diced chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant peas all cooked together in a single pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Oils and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and dried Italian seasoning. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• You can use fresh peas instead of frozen if available.
• To add more vegetables, consider stirring in spinach or mushrooms with the peas.
• If you prefer more cheese flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: one-pot chicken orzo, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, one pot meal, creamy orzo recipe