chicken orzo pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken orzo pasta recipe

I’ve been making this chicken orzo pasta recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and rich tomato sauce is a winner with my kids and husband alike.

It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving. I love that it’s also relatively healthy, with lean protein from the chicken, whole grain orzo, and plenty of vegetables from the sauce.

The key to this recipe is cooking the orzo until it’s tender but still retains some texture – this helps it absorb all the flavors from the sauce without becoming mushy. I often serve this with a side salad or some steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 1629 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and orzo pasta in a creamy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz orzo pasta
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3Add chicken breasts, cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
4Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5In the same skillet, add orzo pasta.
6Stir to coat in the oil and onion mixture.
7Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
8Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.
9Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
10Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.
11Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
12Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
13Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
15Slice the chicken into thin strips.
16Add the chicken back into the skillet, stir to combine with the orzo and sauce.
17Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
18Transfer the chicken orzo pasta to serving plates.
19Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
20Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Skillet
Pasta pot
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can sauté mushrooms or spinach with the onions and garlic.

This chicken orzo pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends and family. It’s easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

You can also customize it to suit your tastes by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. One tip I have is to make sure you cook the orzo until it’s al dente – this will help it retain some texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Orzo Pasta

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

This recipe works well with any short-shaped pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can use pre-cooked chicken if you prefer, but I find that fresh chicken breasts yield better results in terms of flavor and texture.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe should take about 30-40 minutes to make from start to finish.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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