30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Chicken Orzo

Chicken orzo is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and a creamy sauce in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal in just 30 minutes!

Introduction to Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy chicken orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, carbs, and essential nutrients. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, minimizing the cleanup and maximizing the convenience.

Ingredients Required

To make this creamy chicken orzo, you’ll need:

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Orzo pasta
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell peppers
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)
• Salt and pepper

Preparing Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your ingredients. Begin by chopping the vegetables – onions, garlic, and bell peppers – into small, uniform pieces. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks or strips, ensuring even cooking.

Cooking Process

1. Sautéing Vegetables: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Cooking Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the chicken pieces. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. Adding Orzo: Once the chicken is cooked, add the orzo pasta to the pan. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and chicken.
4. Incorporating Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer until the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy chicken orzo hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs like parsley or basil. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Tips for Variation

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as paprika, oregano, or thyme.

Health Benefits

Creamy chicken orzo provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while orzo pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The creamy sauce adds richness and flavor, and you can boost the dish’s nutritional value by adding plenty of vegetables.

Conclusion

With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, 30-minute one-pan creamy chicken orzo is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort and maximum taste.

FAQs

1. What is Orzo? Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles grains of rice. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and can be cooked like any other pasta.
2. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or turkey to suit your preferences.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While creamy chicken orzo is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to eat. Store the cooked chicken, vegetables, and orzo separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
5. How can I store leftovers? Leftover creamy chicken orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Source: juliasalbum.com

Yield: 6

One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe

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If you're a fan of bold flavors and easy weeknight dinners, this One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta is the recipe for you. Combining the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with tender chicken and creamy pasta, this dish delivers all the deliciousness of Buffalo chicken wings in a comforting, cheesy pasta format. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, equal to 1 lb.
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing, can sub ranch
• 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained, (1 can)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb. penne
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1.5 cups cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, optional

Instructions

• Set the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese out ahead of time. We want them near room temperature when we add them to the pasta.

Gently Boil/Shred the Chicken:

• Place chicken in a pot of water and bring to a gentle boil. (A gentle boil ensures that the chicken doesn’t become tough.) Cook for 15 minutes, until cooked through. Remove and use two forks to shred. Toss with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
• Pro Tip: Add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water to add more flavor to the chicken.

Prepare the Pasta:

• Melt butter in a large high-walled skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Submerge the pasta into the liquid and let it come back up to a boil.
• Cover and let it boil for 10-13 minutes, or until al dente. Refer to box for guidance on cooking time. Don't cook any more than al dente as we will be keeping it over low heat until the sauce is thickened. Lift the lid and run a silicone spatula underneath the pasta a few times throughout cooking to ensure the pasta doesn't stick. Test a pasta noodle for doneness before proceeding.
• Reduce heat to low. Add the buffalo sauce, cubed cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir. The sauce will seem thin at first, but it continues to thicken as it stands, and will thicken further at the next step.
• Add the shredded chicken and red pepper flakes.
• Optional: Once sauce is near your desired consistency, swirl in 2 Tablespoons COLD butter. This is a technique that chefs use called “Monter au Beurre”, which creates a smooth finish when added to warm sauces.