Description
Enjoy a comforting creamy chicken orzo dish made with tender chicken breasts, sautéed onions, garlic, orzo pasta, peas, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme and oregano.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy chicken orzo in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For added vegetables, consider incorporating spinach or bell peppers when adding the peas.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated; add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes