Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo – chicken stirfry easy recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup baby spinach (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Let’s be honest. Sometimes you just want a dinner that wraps you up like a warm hug and whispers, ‘You’ve got this.’ That’s exactly what this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo does. It’s the kind of one-skillet wonder that makes you feel like you’re winning at adulthood. Plus, it’s got cheese. Lots of it. So we’re already off to a great start. I first made this on a random Tuesday night when my fridge looked like a sad wasteland. A bit of chicken, some orzo I forgot I had, and parmesan that was probably intended for something fancier. Boom. Dinner magic. It’s cozy, creamy, and has just the right amount of garlic to make your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant—or at least make your neighbors jealous. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just cooking to impress yourself, this dish pulls through every time. And hey, fewer dishes too. Because who has the energy to scrub a pile of pans? Not me.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
4) How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
5) Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
6) Making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick one-skillet dinner with creamy parmesan flavor
Perfect for busy nights or meal prep
Main keyword: chicken stirfry easy recipe
Uses everyday ingredients and pantry staples

2) Easy Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

If you’ve ever had one of those evenings where the thought of another hour in the kitchen makes you want to cry into your takeout menu, this creamy parmesan chicken and orzo recipe might just save your night. It’s a one-pan wonder, and yes, it even plays nicely with your leftovers.

This recipe came from one of those “use what you’ve got” nights. I had a few lonely chicken breasts, some orzo buried in the pantry, and a generous block of parmesan calling my name. What happened next was kind of magical. This dish doesn’t need a fancy title or imported truffles. It just needs about 30 minutes and a little bit of stirring love.

What I love about this dish is how it checks all the right boxes. Creamy? Yep. Comforting? Absolutely. Chicken stirfry easy recipe vibes with a creamy twist? Definitely. And the best part—cleanup won’t ruin your night. You use one skillet, and the leftovers (if you have any) reheat like a dream.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Olive Oil adds flavor and helps brown the chicken without burning it. I prefer using extra virgin olive oil here—it adds a richness that you can’t fake.

Butter brings in that smooth, slightly nutty flavor that makes the whole dish feel more indulgent. Don’t skip it. You’ll miss it.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts are easy to dice and cook quickly. They hold their moisture and soak up the creamy sauce like a dream.

Salt and Pepper are basic but powerful. Season with intention and don’t be afraid to taste as you go.

Garlic is the real MVP of flavor here. Freshly minced works best. It’s sharp, aromatic, and brings the whole dish together.

Onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Use a yellow onion for best results. Dice it small so it melts into the dish.

Orzo Pasta cooks quickly and holds up to the cream and cheese. It also makes you feel like you made risotto—without actually making risotto.

Chicken Broth is what the orzo absorbs, which builds flavor into every bite. Low sodium is best so you control the salt level.

Heavy Cream gives the sauce that rich, silky texture. You don’t need much to get that luxurious feel.

Grated Parmesan Cheese is salty, nutty, and creamy. It binds the sauce and gives it that distinct parmesan kick.

Baby Spinach is optional but I like how it adds color and a hint of bitterness to balance the cream. Toss it in right at the end.

Fresh Parsley is for garnish. But honestly, it brightens the whole thing and makes you look like you planned ahead. So use it.

4) How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Step 1 Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them melt and swirl together before adding anything else.

Step 2 Add diced chicken and season well with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Then, take it out and set it aside.

Step 3 In the same pan, toss in the garlic and onion. Stir often so nothing sticks or burns. Once soft and fragrant, it’s time for the next step.

Step 4 Pour in the orzo and stir it around. Let it toast for a minute. You’ll smell the difference. Trust me.

Step 5 Add chicken broth, bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pan and let the orzo cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 6 Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan. Watch it all come together into a silky, rich sauce.

Step 7 Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss in the spinach. Stir until it wilts.

Step 8 Finish with parsley. Taste. Add more salt or cheese if you want. Then dig in.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Use a large enough skillet so you’re not crowded. Crowded pans make steamed chicken, not golden bites. You want those bits of flavor from browning.

For that creamy texture, don’t skimp on the parmesan. And use real parmesan—not the shelf-stable kind with a green lid. You know the one. Just don’t.

If your sauce feels too thick, splash in a little more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two until it tightens up. It’s flexible. Like your dinner plans should be.

6) Making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo Ahead of Time

You can prep the chicken and onion ahead of time and stash them in the fridge. It makes throwing everything together feel easier after a long day.

If you want to cook the full dish ahead, do it—but skip the spinach. Add that fresh when reheating. That way it won’t get slimy or overcooked.

This dish reheats well, especially if you add a splash of broth or water when warming it up. It keeps the orzo from getting gluey and sad.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Let the dish cool before transferring it to a sealed container. Stick it in the fridge and it’ll stay good for up to four days.

To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of broth and stir often so it warms evenly. Top with more parmesan if you’re feeling fancy—or just hungry.

Skip freezing. The cream doesn’t love it and the texture changes. It’s better fresh or a day or two old. Trust me.

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9) Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo