Zesty Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe – A Family Favorite

Creamy chicken orzo skillet promises a delightful culinary adventure that revolutionizes simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on flavor or comfort.

Hearty proteins and tender pasta create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in this one-pan wonder.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of richness and warmth that feels both familiar and exciting.

Pasta enthusiasts and protein lovers will appreciate the seamless integration of creamy sauce with perfectly cooked chicken and delicate orzo.

Home cooks seeking a stress-free yet impressive dinner option will find this recipe exceptionally appealing.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this skillet a game-changer for busy households.

Reasons to Love Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet

• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: This skillet meal eliminates multiple dishes, letting you cook a complete dinner quickly without complicated cleanup.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The combination of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, basil pesto, and fresh ingredients creates a robust, layered taste profile that transforms simple chicken and orzo into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and complex carbohydrates from orzo, this dish offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in one delicious skillet.
• Weeknight Cooking Made Exciting: With just 20 minutes of total cooking time and minimal prep work, this recipe turns ordinary weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience without requiring advanced culinary skills or extensive ingredient lists.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Orzo Skillet

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance chicken’s natural flavor.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and complexity to the chicken’s taste.
• Basil Pesto: Provides a rich, herbal flavor to the final dish.

• Orzo: Small pasta that creates a creamy, risotto-like texture.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and vibrant green color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings fresh, sweet burst of flavor to the skillet.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle richness.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and enhances overall flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Strips

Slice chicken breasts into thin, even strips. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and carefully place seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Toast Orzo

• Orzo pasta
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil

Sauté until orzo turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta Base

• Half of the cherry tomatoes
• Salt

Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Stir in spinach and remaining cherry tomatoes. Cook until spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Mix in heavy cream and basil pesto. Gently return chicken strips to the skillet. Simmer until chicken is completely heated through and sauce reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the creamy chicken orzo skillet while hot, appreciating the blend of flavors and textures.

Tips for Creamier Chicken Orzo Results

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts into even, thin strips for consistent cooking and faster searing, ensuring each piece browns perfectly.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with spices – smoked paprika and Italian seasoning create deep, layered flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Watch Orzo Carefully: Toast orzo until it’s just lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a nutty, rich undertone.
• Fresh Tomato Trick: Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for bursting flavor and vibrant color that brightens the creamy skillet.
• Pesto Power Boost: Choose a high-quality basil pesto to add instant depth and herbaceous notes that complement the chicken’s richness.

Store and Reheat Your Chicken Orzo the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken orzo skillet will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish cool and away from raw foods to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.
• Freezing: Although possible, cream-based dishes can separate when frozen. If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully to preserve the dish’s original consistency.

Side Dishes That Go Well with Chicken Orzo

• Savor Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy chicken orzo with a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the dish’s rich, velvety texture and cut through the heavy cream’s richness.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the skillet to provide a tangy, peppery contrast that balances the creamy chicken and adds brightness to the meal.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing every bite and adding a crunchy texture to the soft, creamy orzo.
• Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to elevate the dish’s flavor profile, introducing a fresh, green note that brings additional depth to the creamy chicken skillet.

Try These Flavor Variations for Chicken Orzo

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace pesto with sun-dried tomato paste and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin. Include roasted corn kernels and diced green chilies. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
• Creamy Herb Garden: Use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of basil pesto. Add sautéed mushrooms and replace heavy cream with light cream cheese for a lighter version. Garnish with fresh chives.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or plant-based protein. Mix in white beans for extra protein and texture. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a nutty undertone.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken orzo skillet promises comfort with Mediterranean charm. Rich parmesan and tender chicken meld into a wholesome one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Base and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup orzo, uncooked
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces (284 grams) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup basil pesto

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by slicing them into uniform, thin strips, ensuring even cooking and optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Liberally coat chicken strips with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a flavorful exterior.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding extra virgin olive oil to create a shimmering cooking surface.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust by cooking approximately 3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, preserving its moisture and warmth.
6. In the same skillet, introduce uncooked orzo pasta, finely minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, toasting the ingredients until orzo achieves a light golden hue.
7. Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating half of the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
8. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking, and cook for 7-9 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
9. Fold in fresh spinach leaves and remaining cherry tomatoes, allowing greens to wilt and tomatoes to soften slightly.
10. Introduce heavy cream and aromatic basil pesto, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables.
11. Carefully return seared chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture and simmering for 2-3 minutes to ensure complete heating and final cooking.
12. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by slicing into thin, even strips to ensure quick and uniform cooking with maximum flavor absorption.
• Choose high-quality smoked paprika and Italian seasoning to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and create depth of taste.
• Toasting orzo before adding liquid develops a nutty, rich flavor and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color, nutritional value, and a burst of freshness to the creamy skillet meal.
• Heavy cream and basil pesto transform the simple skillet into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish with minimal additional effort.
• One-pan cooking method reduces cleanup and allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious and comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg