Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo

Delicious Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

This Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner: flavorful, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces cook alongside orzo pasta in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s seasoned with herbs, Parmesan, and a splash of cream.

The best part? Only one pot is needed, which makes cleanup a breeze! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this recipe is a creamy comfort meal that everyone will love.

With minimal effort, you get tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. It’s satisfying, wholesome, and full of flavor, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal = easy cleanup
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Can serve over greens or with a side salad
• Versatile and easy to customize

Ingredients

Chicken & Veggies

• 500 g chicken breast, cubed
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Orzo & Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Season chicken
   Sprinkle chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
   Cook chicken until golden and partially cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables
   Add onion and garlic to the same pot. Sauté until translucent.
   Optional: add peas and carrots and cook 2–3 minutes.
4. Add orzo and liquids
   Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook chicken in sauce
   Return chicken to the pot. Simmer 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Finish creamy sauce
   Stir in butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread.

Serving Ideas

• Serve over steamed broccoli or green beans
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan for cheesier flavor

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo

Tender chicken cubes cooked with orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs. A quick, comforting, one-pot dinner ready in 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, European

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Veggies

• 500 g chicken breast cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup peas and carrots optional

Orzo & Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet or large pot
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet or pot and cook chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add peas and carrots if using.
4. Add orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to gentle simmer.
5. Return chicken to the pot and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Stir in butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan or a splash of cream. Can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days.