Description
At its core, Creamy Mushroom Chicken Orzo is a luxurious, one-pan pasta dish that utilizes the unique properties of orzo to create a risotto-like consistency without the constant stirring. Orzo, which translates to barley in Italian, is a small rice-shaped pasta that excels at absorbing flavors. In this specific preparation, the pasta is simmered directly in chicken broth and cream, allowing the starches to release and thicken the sauce naturally.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 cup Orzo
2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Cook mushrooms & aromatics
In the same pan, add butter.
Add onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and mushrooms; cook 4–5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture.
3. Add orzo
Stir in the Orzo and toast it for 1 minute with the mushrooms.
4. Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and add thyme.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
5. Make it creamy
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
Cook 2–3 minutes until everything is creamy and heated through.
6. Serve
Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Orzo is the perfect comfort meal—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights because everything cooks in one pan, making both preparation and cleanup simple. Serve it warm with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal