Luscious Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe: A Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this chicken orzo skillet delivers pure comfort with its rich, creamy goodness.

One-pan magic happens when tender chicken meets perfectly cooked orzo in a luscious sauce that sings with flavor.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a melody of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The skillet captures every savory note, blending ingredients into a harmonious dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Protein and pasta mingle seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights the senses.

Quick to make and even quicker to devour, this recipe stands ready to become your new weeknight superhero.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn dinner into a celebration of deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 522 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that provides a hearty protein punch, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken, choose a high-quality Spanish variety for maximum flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that infuse the chicken with Mediterranean warmth and aromatic complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Orzo: Delicate rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy, risotto-like texture, select a premium brand for best results.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust, earthy base flavor to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst of sweet, juicy freshness that adds bright color and light acidity.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that wilts beautifully, bringing a soft texture and vibrant green color.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps develop rich flavors and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid base that adds depth and moisture to the orzo, homemade is best but quality store-bought works well.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Basil Pesto: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Orzo

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish in one pan.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing chicken breasts into thin, even strips.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing chicken and ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring orzo and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately for balanced flavors.
• Plate: Used for transferring cooked chicken temporarily during preparation.

Cooking Guide for Chicken Orzo Skillet

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into delicate strips. Sprinkle with a blend of vibrant spices to create a mouthwatering flavor profile.

• Skillet Sizzle

Heat a large pan and create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken pieces. Set aside the perfectly seared protein.

• Orzo Magic

Toast orzo with fragrant garlic in the same skillet. Pour in rich chicken stock and colorful cherry tomatoes. Let the grains simmer and absorb all the delicious liquid.

• Green and Fresh

Fold in tender spinach leaves and remaining tomatoes. Watch the greens transform and become silky smooth.

• Creamy Finale

Drizzle in luxurious cream and a swirl of basil pesto. Reunite the chicken with the orzo, allowing everything to meld together in a symphony of flavors. Simmer until the dish reaches perfect harmony and the chicken is completely warmed through.

Tips for a Rich, Creamy Orzo Texture

• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a different protein experience.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and personalize the flavor.
• Eliminate chicken and increase vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired consistency – less cream for a lighter sauce, more for an ultra-rich texture.

Serving Chicken Orzo Hot & Fresh

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the creamy chicken orzo skillet with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad will balance the rich, creamy flavors of the main dish.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving. These herbs will add a burst of color and a bright, aromatic touch to the skillet.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. Toasted garlic bread or a rustic sourdough would be perfect for mopping up every last bit of flavor.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creaminess and enhance the dish's overall taste profile.

How to Store Chicken Orzo for Later

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the skillet meal chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent orzo from sticking and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chicken and orzo components separately for easier storage and flexible meal planning. Keep ingredients in separate containers to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Silky Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory chicken orzo skillet blends Mediterranean flavors with hearty comfort. Home cooks can quickly prepare this one-pan meal that delivers rich, satisfying taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup orzo, uncooked
• 10 oz (284 g) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup basil pesto
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Create a robust spice blend using smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, then coat chicken strips evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil over medium flame, cook chicken strips for 3 minutes per side until golden-brown, then set aside to maintain moisture and warmth.
3. Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast orzo and minced garlic with olive oil until pasta turns light golden, developing a rich, nutty undertone.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into skillet, add half the cherry tomatoes and salt, bringing mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 7-9 minutes until orzo reaches al dente texture.
5. Vegetable Incorporation: Fold in spinach leaves and remaining cherry tomatoes, allowing greens to wilt and tomatoes to soften, creating a vibrant, fresh layer of flavor.
6. Sauce Development: Introduce heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to generate a luxurious, silky sauce that elegantly coats orzo and vegetables.
7. Final Assembly: Return seared chicken to skillet, nestling strips into creamy mixture, simmering for 2-3 minutes to ensure complete heating and flavor melding.
8. Resting Phase: Remove from heat, let skillet rest 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Cut chicken into uniform, thin strips for consistent cooking and even seasoning distribution.
• Season Generously: Use a bold spice blend to create a deeply flavorful and aromatic chicken exterior that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during simmering to avoid clumping and ensure a perfectly textured pasta base.
• Rest and Meld: Allow the skillet to rest briefly after cooking, letting flavors harmonize and sauce reach ideal creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 522
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 592 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg