The Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is a wonderful comfort food that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce into one irresistible dish. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also wonderfully satisfying, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that still feels special. Whether you’re craving something hearty to warm you up or a creamy pasta dish that pleases the whole family, this recipe hits all the right notes of flavor, texture, and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe relies on simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role in creating a balance of creamy, savory, and fresh tastes, with textures ranging from tender chicken to perfectly cooked orzo and leafy spinach.
- ½ pound orzo pasta: Provides a tender, bite-sized base that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Offers lean protein and the main hearty element of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and earthiness to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and depth, especially when cooking the onions and garlic.
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion (small diced): Provides subtle sweetness and a tender bite to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor to the sauce base.
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard: A hidden punch that brightens the cheese sauce with mild tanginess.
- â…› teaspoon sweet paprika: Offers a warm, smoky undertone that complements the creamy cheese.
- â…› teaspoon ground thyme: Lends a faint herbal note, balancing richness beautifully.
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup (undiluted): The secret to that luscious, cheesy creaminess that wraps every bite.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Smooths and lightens the sauce for a silky texture.
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach (stems removed, lightly packed): Adds color, freshness, and a gentle earthy bite to brighten the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): A simple finishing touch for visual appeal and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by boiling the orzo pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente—about 9 to 11 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked orzo will soak up that delicious cheese sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the hot oil until golden on the outside and no longer pink inside—this usually takes about 7 to 9 minutes. This step not only seals in the juices but creates a flavorful crust that adds texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking just until soft and fragrant, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. This builds a sweet and savory flavor base that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The broth starts to reduce slightly while the spices mingle, making the sauce flavorful and aromatic before adding the creamy cheese soup.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Milk
Introduce the condensed cheddar cheese soup along with the whole milk, stirring constantly until you have a smooth, silky sauce. This cheese sauce is the heart of the recipe—rich, creamy, and loaded with that comforting cheddar flavor everyone loves.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Fold in the cooked orzo, then add back the chicken pieces along with the baby spinach. Stir just until everything is coated and the spinach has wilted into the sauce, about 2 to 3 minutes more. This final combination ensures every bite is packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and a touch of fresh green.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley if desired. Serve your Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe hot, straight from the pan, so you can enjoy its comforting creaminess at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish. For a little extra zing, you can even add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for some added crunch and wholesome balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic if you want to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the orzo in shallow bowls with a garnish of finely grated parmesan and a few more fresh herbs, creating a restaurant-worthy presentation. You could also portion the dish into small ramekins and broil the top with a sprinkle of mozzarella or breadcrumbs for a crispy cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and orzo may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain hearty and satisfying.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese soup?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese soup provides classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheese soups like Monterey Jack or even a creamy mushroom soup for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Is there a substitute for orzo pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous can work well. Just keep cooking times in mind and adjust accordingly to keep that perfect texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and boost the veggies—adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can create a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe?
The recipe has very mild spice from the black pepper and subtle warmth from the paprika, making it suitable for all palates, including kids. You can always adjust spices to taste if you prefer more heat.
What can I add to increase the protein content?
In addition to chicken, you can mix in cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and fiber, making this dish even more filling and nutritious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and delightful about this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress friends and family. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals, too.
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 dish featuring tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked orzo pasta enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce with hints of herbs and garlic. This family-friendly recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and makes a satisfying dinner with a creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Orzo and Chicken
- ½ pound orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces, patted dry
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- â…“ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 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
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions, about 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a clean plate; set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet followed by diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and garlic is fragrant, careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add seasonings and broth: Stir in chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the broth begins to gently bubble.
- Add cheese soup and milk: Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and spinach: Add the cooked orzo to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with chopped baby spinach. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach is fully wilted and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, garnished with fresh or dried parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but you can substitute with 2% if preferred.
- Do not overcook the orzo or it will become mushy; al dente texture is best for this dish.
- Skillet size is important; a 12-inch skillet allows enough space for even cooking and combining ingredients.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
