If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and delicate orzo pasta, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe. It’s a luscious, satisfying meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes, combining simple ingredients in a way that feels special every single time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe brings that velvety, savory goodness straight to your table with ease and a touch of warmth you’ll want to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe are straightforward but play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element adds something special—from the rich creamy sauce to the tender bits of chicken and the subtle spices that bring it all to life.
- ½ pound orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken to golden perfection, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into small pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water): Enhances natural flavors and seasons the pasta perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness when cooking onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion (small diced): Offers a gentle sweetness and soft texture that balances the sharp cheddar flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a welcome punch that awakens the dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds necessary moisture and savory depth to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard: A subtle tang that lifts the sauce’ flavor without overpowering it.
- â…› teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a touch of smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- â…› teaspoon ground thyme: Imparts an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken and cheese exquisitely.
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted): The star of the creamy sauce, delivering cheesy comfort in every spoonful.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce just enough, helping it coat the orzo and chicken smoothly.
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of green and sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): A bright finishing touch that adds color and freshness to the plate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by boiling the orzo pasta in well-salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender yet with a tiny bit of bite. Drain it, then rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. This little step ensures the orzo remains plump and ready to soak up that luscious cheese sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them just until golden on the outside and cooked through but still juicy. This step develops flavor and texture, so don’t rush it! Once done, set the chicken aside on a clean plate.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add diced sweet yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes tender and the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. This base is key to a complex, comforting sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Let this mixture simmer gently for a couple of minutes—this helps marry the flavors and build fantastic depth before adding cheese.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese Soup and Milk
Stir in the undiluted cheddar cheese soup and whole milk together until silky smooth. This sauce is what transforms simple ingredients into that signature creamy texture you’ll love in the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Orzo, Chicken, and Spinach
Toss the cooked orzo into the cheese sauce, ensuring every grain is fully coated. Then, fold in the browned chicken and baby spinach. Let it simmer just a few more minutes to allow the spinach to wilt perfectly into the sauce, adding freshness and a lovely pop of color.
Step 7: Serve with a Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and spoon into bowls immediately. A little sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley on top brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of herbal brightness that enhances every creamy bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes is a simple but effective way to brighten both the flavor and appearance of your dish. A dash of cracked black pepper on top can also add a touch of extra warmth and textural contrast for your Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe.
Side Dishes
This creamy main course pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus. Roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower or bell peppers, provide additional color and texture without competing with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls and broil briefly to get a slightly golden top. You could also add toasted breadcrumbs over the top before broiling for a crunchy contrast that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Orzo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making it a handy option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since it’s creamy, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive its creamy consistency without losing any of the flavor in the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo can be a nutritious alternative, though it may require a minute or two longer cooking time and will have a nuttier flavor, which pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu. The creamy cheddar sauce will still provide plenty of richness and flavor.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the orzo and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, prepare the sauce fresh and combine everything for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you can’t find condensed cheddar cheese soup, try making a quick cheese sauce using shredded sharp cheddar, butter, flour, and milk to recreate a similar creamy, cheesy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce can give your Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe a spicy kick without overpowering its comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
Preparing this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, cheesy hug at the dinner table. Its balance of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach makes it an all-around crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So why wait? Dive into this delicious dish and enjoy every rich, comforting bite.
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
This Creamy Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender chunks of chicken breast with orzo pasta in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, enriched with sweet onions, garlic, and spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Orzo
- ½ pound orzo pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Chicken
- 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 and Vegetables
- 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 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes, optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
- Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet, along with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until onions become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add seasonings and broth: Stir in chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme with the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth starts to simmer and flavors meld.
- Make the cheese sauce: Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and heated through.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Mix in the reserved orzo to fully coat with the cheese sauce. Then add the cooked chicken pieces and chopped baby spinach. Stir gently until combined and cook 2-3 minutes more, until spinach is fully wilted.
- Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Dish out portions immediately, and garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy chicken orzo hot!
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the orzo; it should be al dente.
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the chicken and ensure even cooking.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
