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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you need to make changes, here are some ideas: - For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. - If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini works well. - For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking. This recipe serves four people. Here’s a rough idea of the nutrition per serving: - Calories: About 600 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 35g - Fiber: 2g This meal offers a nice balance of protein and carbs. The cream and cheese add richness, while spinach boosts nutrients. Enjoy this creamy garlic chicken orzo as a filling and tasty dinner option! 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning well with salt and pepper. 3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Then, remove it from the skillet. 4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft. 5. Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. 6. Toss in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 2 minutes. 7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. 8. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 9. Once the orzo is nearly tender, lower the heat. 10. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian herbs, chopped spinach, and cooked chicken. 11. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and hot. 12. Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted. 13. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 14. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. - When heating the oil, watch for it to shimmer. This shows it’s ready. - Make sure to season the chicken well. It adds flavor to the entire dish. - Stir the onion often to avoid burning and ensure it cooks evenly. - Toasting the orzo gives it a deeper flavor. Don’t skip this step! - Stir occasionally while cooking the orzo to keep it from sticking. - Adding cream slowly helps it mix in smoothly without curdling. - Taste before serving to make sure the flavors are just right. - Overcrowding the skillet can lead to uneven cooking of the chicken. - Not stirring the orzo may cause it to stick to the pan. - Adding cream too fast can make it clumpy. Take your time. - Forgetting to taste before serving means you might miss out on great flavor. - Skipping the garnish can make the dish look less inviting. Always add parsley! To make this dish shine, start with fresh garlic. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor that dried garlic cannot match. Always season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This step makes a big difference in taste. When you add the cream, do it slowly. This helps you control the creaminess. Stir well to coat the orzo and chicken evenly. If you want more flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. It brightens up the dish. Cooking orzo is simple, but there are some tips to follow. Always toast the orzo for a few minutes before adding liquid. This step brings out a nutty flavor. Stir often while cooking to keep it from sticking. When adding broth, use low-sodium chicken broth. This way, you can control the salt better. Taste the orzo as it cooks to get the texture you prefer. Each brand of orzo may cook differently, so watch it closely. This creamy orzo dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great choice. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, lemonade or sparkling water is refreshing. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for color and taste. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the chicken with bite-sized pieces of firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options provide protein and absorb the flavors well. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich, savory base. Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the meal. Want to switch things up? Try using different herbs. Fresh basil or rosemary can add a lovely touch. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also swap heavy cream for coconut milk to create a creamy, dairy-free version. This change will add a hint of sweetness and tropical flair to your dish. You can make this recipe fit your dietary needs easily. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of orzo. If you're following a keto diet, leave out the pasta altogether and add more greens. For those who need gluten-free meals, opt for gluten-free pasta. Adjust the cheese to a dairy-free option to cater to lactose intolerance. After cooking, let the creamy garlic chicken orzo cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This dish keeps its flavor and texture well. If you plan to enjoy it later, make sure to seal it tightly. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best taste, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal warm and delicious! To make this dish gluten-free, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Check the package to ensure it cooks similarly to regular orzo. Follow the same cooking steps for a tasty gluten-free meal. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Small pasta like ditalini or macaroni works well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Remember to check for doneness as you cook. This dish remains creamy and flavorful, no matter which pasta you select. Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat should be white, not pink. If you cut into a piece, the juices should run clear. Always use a meat thermometer for the best results. Proper cooking ensures a safe and delicious meal. This blog post walked you through making creamy garlic chicken orzo. We covered the ingredients, measurements, and nutritional info to help you plan. The step-by-step guide made cooking easy and fun while avoiding common mistakes. Tips and tricks ensured you served the best dish, with options for variations and storage. In the end, this recipe is flexible and delicious. You can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy creating this comforting meal and make it your own!

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a deliciously creamy dish that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Click through now to explore this recipes and make mealtime special!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown all over, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

    In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, roughly 3 minutes. Then, introduce the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 1 additional minute until the garlic is aromatic.

      Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it in with the onion and garlic. Toast the orzo for approximately 2 minutes, allowing it to develop a slightly nutty flavor.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

          Once the orzo is cooked to your desired tenderness, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, the dried Italian herbs, the chopped spinach, and the previously cooked chicken. Mix everything together thoroughly and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and heated through.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it is melted and fully incorporated into the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

              Serve this delightful dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the creamy chicken orzo in shallow bowls, adding a few more spinach leaves on top and a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese before garnishing with parsley.