Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Indulge in a cozy, TikTok-inspired skillet meal that brings comfort and gourmet flavor together in a single pan. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo features juicy seared chicken and tender orzo enveloped in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is reminiscent of a hearty garlic Parmesan chicken soup but with a playful chili mac twist that makes it truly addictive.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in how the orzo pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth and cream, absorbing every bit of flavor while releasing its own starches to thicken the sauce into a velvety consistency. It is a satisfying, all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200 g) dry orzo pasta
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and diced onion; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add orzo and red pepper flakes (if using). Toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 10

Fold in spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness, you can add a splash more cream or an extra handful of Parmesan cheese just before serving. If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, simply stir in a little more broth to maintain that creamy consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by swapping the spinach for chopped kale or frozen peas. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken entirely and add sautéed mushrooms for a savory, earthy depth.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this skillet meal hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

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This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory seasoning, tender pasta, and a decadent sauce that makes every bite feel special!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the savory base.

→ What pasta can I substitute for orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or even broken spaghetti pieces work well. Keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly—check for tenderness after 10-12 minutes of simmering.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and often stay juicier than breasts. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time to ensure they're cooked through.

→ Is the white wine necessary?

Not at all. You can substitute with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. The wine adds subtle acidity that balances the rich cream, but the dish remains delicious without it.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the creamy sauce. The orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits, so adding moisture helps restore the silky texture.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is possible but may affect the creamy sauce texture. If freezing, undercook the orzo slightly and expect to add extra cream when reheating. For best results, enjoy within 3 months.