Golden pan-seared chicken simmered in a silky parmesan cream sauce with tender orzo pasta makes this one-pan dinner a comfort food dream. It has the cozy appeal of a homemade risotto with the weeknight ease of a 30-minute skillet meal.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is that magical recipe that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of savory goodness from the parmesan and chicken broth. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, while the juicy chicken makes it hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. It comes together in one pan with just a handful of everyday ingredients, yet the result tastes like something you’d order at your favorite cozy bistro. The orzo gets creamy without needing heavy cream, and the parmesan adds a nutty depth that makes the sauce irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a casual date night in, this meal impresses without the stress. Leftovers reheat beautifully too, making it a great choice for meal prepping.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and may even be juicier than breasts. You can also use chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the orzo and broth. If swapping in pre-cooked chicken, stir it in near the end so it doesn’t dry out.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, with a short list of ingredients that come together in a rich and creamy sauce. Each one plays a key role in building depth and texture.

Chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Orzo pasta
Grated parmesan cheese
Milk or half-and-half
Butter
Fresh parsley (optional)

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a touch more oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the orzo and stir to coat in the garlic oil. Let it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the milk or half-and-half, butter, and grated parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it warm through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo

This dish serves four generous portions and is best enjoyed hot straight from the skillet. The creamy texture stays luscious as it sits, making it great for serving at the table or family-style.

To store, let leftovers cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. It can also be frozen for up to a month, though the texture of the orzo may soften a bit upon thawing.

What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo?

Roasted Asparagus

Crisp-tender spears with a little olive oil and lemon zest are the perfect green balance to this rich dish.

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of buttery garlic bread helps scoop up every drop of creamy orzo.

Classic Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory skillet meal.

Sautéed Spinach

Quickly wilted spinach with a bit of garlic and olive oil adds an easy, wholesome side.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing are ideal to offset the creamy sauce.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

A light and flavorful side that complements the richness of the main dish.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Serve this on the side or repurpose leftovers into a bowl-style lunch with greens and veggies.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re serving a crowd, this pasta pairs beautifully with the chicken and creates a comfort-filled spread.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, you’ll enjoy diving into these other cozy creations:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Maybe spinach or sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing how you personalize your dishes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and smarter.

Explore beautifully curated dinner inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite meal!

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo is a one-pan wonder that turns a few pantry staples into something truly satisfying. Whether you’re making it on a busy Tuesday or for a laid-back Sunday dinner, it brings comfort and flavor to the table with very little fuss.