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Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken with rich, velvety orzo in a luscious garlic and parmesan sauce. This one-pot dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or an impressive date night. Its delightful texture and mouthwatering aroma will have everyone gathering around the table, eagerly anticipating every creamy bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop garlic finely and grate the parmesan cheese while letting chicken come to room temperature.
  2. Sauté the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown (5-6 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
  3. Cook the orzo: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Toast orzo for 1-2 minutes, then add chicken broth. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Create the sauce: Stir in minced garlic into the orzo mixture until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously.
  5. Add spinach and cheese: Fold in fresh spinach until wilted and mix in grated parmesan until melted smoothly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with orzo sauce and simmer for another minute before serving hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 625
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor, sear the chicken properly before cooking the orzo for maximum taste infusion. Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or add vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrients.

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Find it online: https://plannetkitchen.com/creamy-parmesan-chicken-and-orzo-comfort-food-delight/