Description
Get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight with this mouthwatering Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo recipe! This dish is the perfect fusion of tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top of the Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
To ensure your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips and tricks:
– Cook the chicken just until done: Overcooking the chicken can result in a dry, tough texture.
– Don’t overcook the orzo: Aim for al dente pasta, as it will continue to absorb the creamy sauce as the dish simmers.
– Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 539
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg