Print

Creamy One-Pan Chicken Alfredo with Orzo Pasta

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy Chicken Alfredo with Orzo Pasta, topped with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo sauce combined with tender orzo pasta and pan-seared chicken in one skillet for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Add the butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Uncover the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If using spinach, stir it in now until it wilts.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken and orzo are fully coated in the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  • For a brighter flavor, add 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/chicken-alfredo-with-orzo-pasta/