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one pot italian chicken orzo recipe

One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
An easy and delicious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and savory parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet with lid
  • 1 Measuring cup
  • 1 grater for parmesan cheese

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Grate the parmesan cheese. Measure out orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
  • Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook orzo for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.

Serving

  • Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toasting the orzo adds a wonderful depth to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. Use mushrooms or zucchini instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
How to Serve: Serve with a green salad or crusty bread. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking on busy nights.
Keyword easy chicken orzo, one pot italian chicken orzo, Weeknight Dinner