This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo recipe is very simple to make. It’s super comforting, as well as filling, and it’s one of my favorite orzo recipes to make.
One of my favorite foods has always been pasta, but for some reason I always thought cooking pasta was more complicated and difficult than it actually is.
However, when I was super exhausted and trying to take better care of myself by cooking myself substantial meals, pasta was one of the main things I found myself craving (other than soup of course). So while I started experimenting with recipes and ingredients, I discovered that one of my favorite types of pasta is orzo. It’s extremely versatile, it cooks quickly, and it holds up well in any recipe I’ve ever used it in.
Make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo when…
- You need something hearty, filling, yet comforting
- You want to cook something and only have minimal ingredients
- It’s gross outside and you want something that warms you from the inside out
Ingredients notes…
Here is what you’ll need to make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo recipe. Please be sure to check the recipe card for the exact ingredients and measurements.
- Butter – to cook the garlic
- Garlic – to add a great depth of flavor
- Orzo – the staple ingredient. You can use rice, or any other type of pasta you prefer, however you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked, and may need to add more broth as well.
- Cooked chicken – I used rotisserie chicken, but you can use any kind of meat that you like.
- Chicken broth – to cook the orzo and add flavor. You could also use chicken stock, or any other kind of broth or stock such as vegetable broth.
- Heavy cream – to create a creamy and delicious sauce. You can omit if you like, it just won’t be as creamy. You could also substitute half and half, milk, or coconut milk, but keep in mind it may change the consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese – to add flavor and help thicken. You can use a different cheese if needed.
- Italian seasoning – to add flavor. Omit if needed.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – to add flavor. Omit if needed.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
Equipment I swear by…
- A large non-stick skillet
While the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo simmers…
- pour yourself something to drink, from water, soda, or a fun cocktail or mocktail
- turn on your favorite music, audio book, or podcast
- take a moment to stretch
How to make it…
- Melt the butter in the pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook until fragrant. (About 30 seconds)
- Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer. Stir every few minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Add chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese, let simmer for another 5 minutes or until desired consistency and serve.
My tips and tricks to make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo recipe…
To make it vegetarian:
Omit the chicken, and use vegetarian broth or stock instead of chicken broth.
Al dente pasta:
Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it in order to avoid overcooking it.
Sauce consistency:
If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches the consistency that you want.
Storage notes…
Refrigerate: This dish tastes even better the next day, however be aware that the orzo will continue to absorb any liquid left and you may want to add some more liquid like chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this dish. When you freeze pasta, the consistency often changes and it becomes a mushy mess.
Are you struggling right now…
- Use rotisserie chicken or any cooked leftover meat you have in the fridge. Or even leave meat out, if you want to avoid having to cook chicken.
- Use jarred garlic to avoid having to chop fresh garlic, or even use garlic powder (will need to adjust measurements to your taste) and add it with the other seasonings to avoid the step of cooking the garlic first.
Thank your for stopping by Comfort In a Bowl. If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to share, comment and rate the recipe! Take care of yourself.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp garlic minced
- 3 cups orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken
Instructions
- Melt the butter in the pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. (About 30 seconds)
- Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer. Stir every few minutes until the orzo is tender. (About 10-15 minutes)
- Add chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese, let simmer for another 5 minutes or until desired consistency.
- Taste and add more seasoning if desired and serve.
Notes
What to serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Orzo
- Garlic Bread
- Bread sticks
- Salad
My burnout situation…
I’ve had a few interesting realizations in therapy lately. I’ve always considered myself an independent and laid back person. I don’t depend on anyone else for anything really. I’ve always assumed part of that is because I’m a recovering perfectionist and I felt that the only person who can do things the right way is me, however I’m quickly realizing it might have been a trauma response that I developed.
I think finding a great therapist or mental health professional is one of the best things I ever did for myself. She is really helping me to see things clearly. I didn’t realize or even consider how much I was confusing myself or how other people may see me, or my behaviors over the years.
It’s so interesting, and I’m excited to dive deeper with her and see how things go.
Conclusion…
Eating is a necessary part of life. You don’t have to let it add to your stress, and you can even make steps to let it become a positive part of your daily routine and your self-care routine.
Take care of yourself.
Caitlin
