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Quick Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo

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A comforting and creamy one-pot chicken and orzo pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup (185 g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, grate the Parmesan cheese, zest the lemon, and chop the parsley.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add the orzo pasta and stir to coat with oil and aromatics. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes to add a nutty flavor.
  5. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but slightly firm.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir gently to combine and warm through.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest, stir gently, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness. Toasting the orzo adds depth of flavor. Use low heat when simmering and stir occasionally but gently. Salt the broth well for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or quinoa.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken, orzo, creamy, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

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