If you are craving something warm, comforting, and just downright irresistible, this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe will quickly become your go-to dish. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that brings together layers of subtle spices and fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. It’s remarkably simple to make yet packed with flavors that feel like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegance and homey goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward — each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich texture, vibrant colors, and that creamy, dreamy flavor we absolutely love. From the orzo pasta that offers a tender bite to the cheddar cheese soup that creates the sauce’s silky base, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- Orzo pasta (½ pound): Provides a lovely, tender base that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity note and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into ¾ inch pieces): The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked right.
- Salt (½ teaspoon plus more for pasta water): Essential for seasoning throughout and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the chicken.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, room temperature): Creates a silky base for the onions and garlic to blossom in flavor.
- Sweet yellow onion (⅓ cup, small diced): Brings a mild sweetness and texture contrast.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Introduces savory moisture and helps develop the sauce.
- Dried mustard (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Sweet paprika (⅛ teaspoon): Adds gentle smokiness and a lovely color hue.
- Ground thyme (⅛ teaspoon): Provides an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (21 ounces, undiluted): The creamy, cheesy heart of the sauce that makes this dish so indulgent.
- Whole milk (¼ cup): Smooths out the sauce for that perfect consistency.
- Chopped baby spinach (½ cup, stems removed, lightly packed): Adds fresh green vibrancy and a nutritional boost.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): For a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color on the plate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain it and rinse briefly under cool water to halt the cooking process. This prevents overcooking and keeps each tiny grain perfectly tender. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Removing the chicken at this point ensures it stays juicy as you build the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, creating the perfect foundation for your sauce.
Step 4: Add Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Stir everything together as the mixture simmers gently for 2-3 minutes. This step unlocks the flavor depths, marrying the spices with the onions to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese Soup and Milk
Now it’s time for the indulgence: add the condensed cheddar cheese soup along with the whole milk. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the signature velvety sauce that envelops every bite of orzo and chicken.
Step 6: Combine Orzo, Chicken, and Spinach
Add the cooked orzo to the cheese sauce and stir until each grain is lavishly coated. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet followed by the chopped baby spinach. Stir gently just until everything is combined and the spinach wilts into the sauce, adding a fresh green touch that brightens the dish.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Remove your skillet from heat, and if desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes across the dish. This completes the presentation with a fresh herbal note and a burst of color that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds a cheerful pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. If you want a little extra zing, a light zest of lemon over the top can elevate the creamy layers with a burst of citrus. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving adds a mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
Side Dishes
Because this recipe is already rich and satisfying, pairing it with lighter sides works wonderfully. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to introduce crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make excellent companions too, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the creamy chicken orzo in shallow bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers that cradle the warm pasta beautifully. Layering the dish in clear glass casseroles for a potluck adds visual appeal as layers of cheese sauce, spinach, and chicken peek through. Lastly, consider topping with a gratin of shredded cheese and quickly broiling for a bubbly golden crust to transform the dish into a cozy casserole style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The great news is that this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe stores beautifully. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld over time, making it even more comforting the next day. Make sure to let the dish cool slightly before sealing to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Because of the creamy sauce, freezing can slightly alter the texture, but gentle reheating with a splash of milk often revives it beautifully.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, warm the orzo gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a small amount of milk or chicken broth helps restore that creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave in short intervals while stirring between each burst ensures even heating without drying out the chicken or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal for its small size and ability to absorb the sauce, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, couscous, or even small shells if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep everything tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese soup or a homemade sauce using cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or oat milk. Just keep in mind the texture and richness may vary slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully too! They add a richer flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and cook thoroughly until no longer pink inside.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in additional veggies such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli florets along with the onions. Adding frozen peas or corn during the final minutes can also brighten and bulk up the meal with vibrant color and nutrients.
Can I use fresh cheese instead of condensed cheddar cheese soup?
Using fresh cheese like shredded sharp cheddar combined with cream or a béchamel can work as a substitute. It may require a bit more stirring and adjustment to get the sauce just right, but it’s a wonderful way to control ingredients and customize the cheese flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe enough if you’re looking for a reliable, comforting meal that feels both special and easy enough for weeknights. The balance of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and that rich cheese sauce is simply magic on a fork. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this heartwarming dish—you’ll be glad you did!
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 hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces and al dente orzo pasta simmered in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce with hints of paprika, thyme, and mustard. Enhanced with fresh spinach and finished with a touch of parsley, this one-pan skillet recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
- ⅓ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- 21 ounce condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup chopped baby spinach, stems removed, lightly packed
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Set the orzo aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a clean plate; set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and fragrant.
- Simmer Broth and Spices: Add the chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth begins to simmer.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Spinach: Stir in the reserved orzo pasta, making sure it is fully coated in the cheese sauce. Add the cooked chicken and chopped baby spinach, stirring gently until everything is combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt completely into the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy chicken orzo immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes if desired.
Notes
- To keep the chicken moist, do not overcook in the skillet.
- Rinsing the orzo with cool water stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.
- This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free orzo pasta for gluten-free diets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
