One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be on the table in about 30 minutes!

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)

Timing

Making One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. Cook Onion and Garlic: 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.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

1. Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
2. Add Broth: 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.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. Add Cream and Peas: Stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and Italian seasoning. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2. Combine and Heat: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	480
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover creamy chicken orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.