One-Pan Garlic Alfredo Orzo Chicken (Print)

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and orzo come together in this easy one-pan comfort meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500 g), cut into 2 cm cubes

→ Pasta

02 - 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

→ Dairy

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
09 - 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

→ Pantry Staples

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and unsalted butter. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Add to the preheated skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
02 - In the same skillet, add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Add the roughly chopped baby spinach and return the cooked chicken (along with any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one skillet for easy cleanup
  • Creamy Alfredo sauce with minimal effort
  • Ready in about thirty five minutes
  • Flexible for ingredient swaps and dietary needs
  • Bring friends or family around the table without extra fuss
02 -
  • High protein and satisfying with greens tucked in
  • Works as both a main course and a hearty side dish
  • Leftovers keep well for next day lunch
03 -
  • Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melty texture and robust flavor
  • Let the sauce simmer low and slow in the end to prevent it separating
  • If using shrimp or delicate proteins add them in the last three minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking

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