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Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo for Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

A satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and orzo pasta, all brought together in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2-3 cm cubes
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 250 g orzo pasta
  • 800 ml low-sodium chicken stock
  • 100 ml double cream
  • 70 g Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus extra for serving
  • 100 g fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Sear the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove it from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan. Stir it continuously for about 1 minute. What works best for me is making sure every grain is coated in the oil and lightly toasted—this step enhances its flavour significantly.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Reduce the heat to low.
  6. Make it Creamy: Pour in the double cream and stir through the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan in handfuls, stirring until it has just wilted into the sauce. This should only take a minute or two.
  8. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra Parmesan and some fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

This dish is best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of stock or milk to loosen the sauce.