If you’ve ever longed for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender pieces of juicy chicken with the delicate bite of orzo pasta, all enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, this meal is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to share with friends and family, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes when I want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can make a world of difference, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy richness of cheddar cheese soup to the fresh punch of baby spinach, all coming together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- Orzo pasta (½ pound): The perfect tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken evenly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into pieces; these provide tender, juicy protein in every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon plus more for pasta water): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and pasta.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a rich, velvety base.
- Sweet yellow onion (â…“ cup, small diced): Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the richness.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and enhances the chicken flavor in the sauce.
- Dried mustard (¼ teaspoon): A secret ingredient for a gentle tangy kick.
- Sweet paprika (â…› teaspoon): Provides a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Ground thyme (â…› teaspoon): Lends an earthy herbal note that rounds out the flavor.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (21 ounces, undiluted): The star of the creamy sauce that makes this dish irresistibly rich.
- Whole milk (¼ cup): Lightens the cheese soup just enough for a perfect sauce consistency.
- Baby spinach (½ cup, chopped and stems removed): Adds freshness and a pop of green that brightens the whole dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional garnish): A final touch of color and herbal aroma.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta
Start by cooking the orzo pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions, usually about 9 to 11 minutes, until the orzo is perfectly al dente. Once done, drain and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and set it aside. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy when combined later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until the onion becomes tender and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Add chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme to the onions. Stir everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth begins to simmer. This step allows the spices to bloom and infuse the broth with delightful savory notes.
Step 5: Add Cheddar Cheese Soup and Milk
Now, stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup along with the whole milk. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully, coating the spoon with a luscious consistency.
Step 6: Combine Orzo, Chicken, and Spinach
Gently fold in the reserved orzo pasta, ensuring every grain is coated with the cheesy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the chopped baby spinach. Stir just until everything is combined and the spinach has wilted, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the dish a pop of vibrant green and just the right amount of fresh texture.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and prepare to serve immediately. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a lovely herbal note and a burst of color that makes this meal look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness, making the dish more inviting and lovely to look at. If you want to elevate the flavor, a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few red chili flakes can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A crusty piece of garlic bread can also complement the creamy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the creamy chicken orzo in a beautiful ceramic bowl with some extra parsley sprinkled on top. You could also portion it into individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a more elegant, restaurant-style presentation. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can let guests brighten their portions with a fresh citrus zing if they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool slightly before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors marry even better after some time, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe, but keep in mind that the texture of spinach and pasta might change slightly after thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir gently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small, rice-like shape is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells for a similar effect.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
With some modifications, yes. You’d need to swap the cheddar cheese soup and milk for dairy-free alternatives and potentially thicken the sauce with a dairy-free roux or plant-based cream. However, the signature creaminess might be a bit different.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to cook them through thoroughly and adjust cooking time as needed since thighs take slightly longer to cook than breasts.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when you add the spices. You could also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe, but be mindful that the texture of the pasta and spinach may change slightly after freezing and reheating. It’s best eaten fresh but freezing is a convenient option for leftovers.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe a spot in your weekly meal rotation because it brings together the best of comfort and ease in one delightful dish. It’s versatile, satisfying, and just full of those cozy flavors that make dinner feel like an event. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a cherished favorite you’ll look forward to making over and over.
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 flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich cheddar cheese sauce with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, baby spinach, and aromatic spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines creamy textures with savory notes for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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
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)
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 for 9-11 minutes or until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and the cut chicken pieces. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a clean plate; set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter, diced sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth begins to simmer and the spices are well combined with the aromatics.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Add the undiluted condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Spinach: Stir the cooked orzo pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Add the cooked chicken pieces and chopped baby spinach, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has completely wilted 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
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese soup if available.
- Be careful not to overcook the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy; it should be al dente.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or swiss chard if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If you want extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
