If you are craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, then the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender pieces of juicy chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s silky smooth and incredibly flavorful. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this creamy, cheesy goodness time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a balance of flavors and textures that make this dish truly shine. From the mild sweetness of the onion to the boldness of the cheddar cheese soup, every element contributes depth and heartiness.
- Orzo pasta: The tiny rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken for a beautiful golden crust.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy chicken pieces provide the main protein.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for lifting the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
- Sweet yellow onion: Offers a gentle sweetness and subtle crunch in every bite.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that awakens the taste buds.
- Chicken broth: Gives the dish a savory base and enhances moisture.
- Dried mustard: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Sweet paprika: Provides a soft smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Ground thyme: Brings an herbal earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: The secret to that irresistibly creamy and cheesy texture.
- Whole milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it silky smooth.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a delicate green freshness.
- Fresh or dried parsley (optional): For a bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by boiling your orzo pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Draining and rinsing under cool water stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from sticking, setting the stage for a perfect, creamy finish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cooking them until they’re golden and cooked through will lock in their juiciness and provide a wonderful texture contrast with the soft orzo.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter, diced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cooking these just until soft and fragrant releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavor base that makes this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe so comforting.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Foundation
Pour in the chicken broth along with dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. These ingredients meld together to create a wonderfully layered flavor profile, and letting the broth simmer ensures every bite is infused with these savory spices.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk, whisking until the sauce turns smooth and velvety. This step transforms your simple ingredients into the creamy, cheesy heart of the recipe that makes every forkful so indulgent.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Mix in the drained orzo pasta, the cooked chicken, and the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and all the flavors come together into a warm, inviting dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like. This final touch adds freshness and a pop of color, making your Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe look just as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or dried parsley flakes is a simple way to elevate this dish visually and add a subtle herbal note. If you feel adventurous, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the creamy richness just beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe pairs delightfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or some garlicky sautéed green beans. The simplicity of these sides balances the richness of the main dish and rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the orzo in individual shallow bowls topped with a bit more fresh spinach or even toasted pine nuts for extra texture. You could also bake it with breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crispy crust that adds a fun twist to the creamy softness underneath.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner that tastes nearly as good the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the creamy sauce, it’s best stored in airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months and allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce needs loosening. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and preserve that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like mini shells, ditalini, or even couscous can work well, though orzo’s rice-like shape helps the sauce cling perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it makes a great meal prep option. Just be mindful of reheating the creamy sauce gently to maintain the right texture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a nice smoky flavor, just stir it in during the final step.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try substituting the cheddar cheese soup and milk with dairy-free alternatives, but it will alter the signature creaminess somewhat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
For sure! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions—just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is truly a gem that turns simple ingredients into a cozy, satisfying dinner everyone will love. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for any night you want a fuss-free yet comforting meal. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this creamy, cheesy delight in your rotation.
Print
Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and mixed with orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Infused with aromatic spices, garlic, and onions, and finished with fresh spinach, this one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that serves four in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ½ pound orzo pasta
- Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces, patted dry
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- â…› teaspoon sweet paprika
- â…› teaspoon ground thyme
- 21 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted)
- ¼ cup whole milk
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add orzo pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cool water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to skillet. Cook for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, diced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until onions are tender and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Spices: Stir in chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth begins to simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Add the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Mix the cooked orzo into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh or dried parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overcooking the orzo; it should be tender but firm.
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor and wilt it just until soft.
- If cheddar cheese soup is unavailable, a homemade cheese sauce can substitute.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt, since the cheese soup may already contain salt.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
