Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced Opt for organic or free-range for quality.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Any small pasta will do.
- 2 cups chicken broth Homemade broth is best for flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Essential for creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Good extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced The fresher, the better.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Adds vibrancy and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in 1 cup of orzo and 2 cups of chicken broth, bringing to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo absorbs the broth.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.