There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy bowl of pasta that just feels like a big hug on a plate, and this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe delivers exactly that. This dish brings together tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce that’s both simple and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, fuss-free meal that works beautifully for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With just the right balance of creamy texture and savory notes, this creamy chicken orzo is guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to deliver layers of flavor, creaminess, and color. Each one is carefully chosen to build the perfect balance — from the tender chicken pieces to the rich cheddar soup that forms the sauce, and the fresh spinach adding a pop of green and nutrients.
- ½ pound orzo pasta: Small and tender pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection and add a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾ inch pieces, patted dry): The star protein, providing lean meat that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for the pasta water): Essential to season both the pasta and chicken, enhancing all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness to the sauce and helps soften the aromatics.
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion (small diced): Provides a mild sweetness and fragrant base.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with its signature savory aroma.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard: Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the cheese sauce.
- â…› teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a beautiful color hue.
- â…› teaspoon ground thyme: Gives an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken.
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted): The creamy, cheesy heart of this dish, making it irresistibly rich and smooth.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce so it’s creamy but not too heavy.
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach (stems removed, lightly packed): Adds freshness, color, and a nutrient boost.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
The first step is to get that orzo cooked just right — al dente is key here. Cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water, following the package instructions (usually 9 to 11 minutes), until the pasta is tender but still has a firm bite. Drain and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside. This step ensures the orzo doesn’t overcook later when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and then the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. This step builds a lovely caramelized flavor on the chicken. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low, add the butter to the skillet, followed by the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them just until soft, tender, and fragrant — about 1 to 2 minutes. This combination forms the tasty base for the sauce, enriching it with sweetness and savory aroma.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
To the softened onions and garlic, add the chicken broth along with dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This blending of ingredients develops a wonderful depth of flavor that will carry through the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese Soup and Milk
Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup along with the whole milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce. This is where the creamy texture takes center stage, coating every bite of orzo and chicken with rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Combine Orzo, Chicken, and Spinach
Return the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring it into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Then gently fold in the cooked chicken pieces and chopped baby spinach. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 more minutes, just until the spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce. This step adds a fresh pop of color and a slight earthy note that balances the richness perfectly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and plate the creamy chicken orzo immediately. If you like, sprinkle a little fresh or dried parsley on top to add an inviting burst of brightness and crunch. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm for maximum comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish for the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe. It adds a lovely herbaceous note and a touch of color that lifts the presentation. For a bit of extra texture, toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add excitement and crunch.
Side Dishes
Since the dish is rich and creamy, pair it with light, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly, cutting through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also add a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the creamy chicken orzo in individual shallow bowls and top each with a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a tangy touch. For an elegant touch, you can drizzle a little high-quality olive oil and sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so the texture will be a bit denser the next day but still delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the texture of pasta dishes often changes after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze it without adding fresh spinach, then stir it in fresh when reheating. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the creamy chicken orzo gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo works best because of its small size and ability to soak up the sauce, small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells can be great substitutes.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy butter substitute, dairy-free milk, and a plant-based cheese soup alternative. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly but will still result in a creamy dish.
Can I add vegetables other than spinach?
Definitely! Chopped kale, peas, or even roasted red peppers make excellent additions, bringing extra nutrients and flavor to the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic, or sprinkle some on top as a finishing touch. Fresh jalapeños diced finely also work well.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes, you can cook all components ahead of time and combine them before reheating. Just be mindful that the texture of the orzo can soften if mixed with the sauce too early, so it’s best to store components separately and combine them before serving.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe as much as I have. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace, perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a beautiful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something cozy, cheesy, and truly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce infused with aromatic spices and fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal delivers a delicious blend of creamy textures and flavors perfect for a family dinner or casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta
- ½ pound orzo pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces, patted dry
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
Sauces and Spices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- â…› teaspoon sweet paprika
- â…› teaspoon ground thyme
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted)
- ¼ cup whole milk
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, then add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become tender and fragrant, but not browned.
- Add broth and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to come to a gentle simmer.
- Make the cheese sauce: Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and the whole milk until the sauce is fully smoothed out and heated through.
- Combine pasta with sauce and chicken: Add the cooked orzo pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Stir everything gently just until combined and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt completely into the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking that it is no longer pink in the center.
- Do not overcook the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy; al dente texture works best in this dish.
- If cheddar cheese soup is unavailable, you can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce made from shredded cheddar, butter, flour, and milk.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby kale or arugula as preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
