Name: Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ lb thin chicken breasts; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp cracked pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; 1½ T olive oil; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup white wine (or broth as substitute); 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional); 1½ cups orzo (uncooked); 1 cup heavy cream; 2⁄3 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 3 T tomato paste; 2 handfuls baby spinach

There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that brings creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken together effortlessly. This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is exactly that—a quick, flavorful dinner that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfies every appetite at the table.

The image shows a white pan filled with creamy orange sauce mixed with small pieces of pasta that look like orzo. On top of the sauce is a single large piece of seasoned cooked chicken with a golden brown color, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. There are two black chopsticks with gold tips resting on the chicken and sauce, partially lifting a portion. The pan handle is brass-colored and there is a white marbled surface beneath the pan, with a piece of leafy green vegetable visible near the bottom edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many busy weeknights this dish has saved me when I wanted something delicious without fuss. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and tender orzo, it hits all the right notes for a hearty yet quick meal.

Simple One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Comfort Food Vibes: The creamy sauce and parmesan bring cozy richness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Quick and Efficient: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights with little time to spare.
Customizable Flavor: Easily tweak the seasonings or add veggies to make it your own.

The dish shows one grilled chicken breast sliced into six pieces layered on top of a creamy orange sauce mixed with small pasta and green spinach leaves. The chicken has a golden-brown color with black grill marks and is sprinkled with white cheese flakes and green parsley leaves. The creamy sauce has a smooth texture with visible pasta and spinach, spreading around the chicken on a white plate. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor and the creamy texture you’ll love. I find picking quality chicken and fresh spinach really makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Flat lay of thin raw chicken breasts seasoned with cracked black pepper and paprika, a few garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing uncooked orzo pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with rich red tomato paste, two handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of clear low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian dried herbs, whole uncracked brown sea salt eggs not present but omitted accordingly, all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Thin or pounded flat, they cook quickly and stay juicy when seared just right.
Seasonings (sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika): The perfect combo to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
Olive oil: For searing and sautéing, adds subtle richness and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses that delightful aroma you want in almost every savory dish.
White wine (or broth): Deglazes the pan and adds a mild tanginess that brightens the sauce beautifully.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps flavors balanced and provides the liquid for cooking the orzo.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dish an earthy, herbaceous backbone.
Crushed red pepper (optional): Just a touch for a gentle kick of heat, if you like.
Orzo: The tiny pasta that soaks up all that creamy, cheesy sauce–it’s the star carb here.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that makes this recipe so indulgent.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce for perfect coating.
Tomato paste: A little umami punch and slight sweetness to balance the creaminess.
Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end to wilt perfectly without overpowering the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to personalize this creamy chicken and orzo skillet recipe by swapping in whatever herbs or veggies I have on hand. You can easily switch up seasonings or even add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I swapped the baby spinach for kale and added a squeeze of lemon juice at the end—such a fresh flavor boost that I’ve repeated often!
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a creamy vegan-style version.
Extra veggies: Throw in diced zucchini or bell peppers with the garlic for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
Spice levels: Crushed red pepper is optional. I usually add it for a little heat, but it’s easy to leave out if you prefer mild dishes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by thinning out those chicken breasts—either give them a gentle pounding or slice them lengthwise to about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Don’t skip drying the meat with a paper towel; it helps you get that golden crust. Then, season it generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika. I tend to go heavy on the paprika because it adds subtle warmth and color.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large, deep skillet on medium-high until it’s nice and hot. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil, and once it shimmers, lay the chicken in a single layer. You want about 1-2 minutes per side for a golden-brown finish—don’t overcook here as it’ll continue cooking later. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you build your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Base Flavors

Turn the heat down to medium, add a bit more olive oil, then toss in your minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute until fragrant—avoid browning it or it will get bitter. Pour in the white wine (or broth if you’re skipping the wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty browned bits. Then add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper if using, and the orzo. Give it a stir.

Step 4: Simmer With Chicken

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then nestle the chicken pieces back into the skillet. Cover and let everything cook for 10-15 minutes. This is when the chicken finishes cooking through (aim for 165°F inside) and the orzo becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid. Give it a gentle stir every few minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick or boil too vigorously—lower the heat if needed.

Step 5: Finish Creamy and Green

Once the chicken and orzo are cooked perfectly, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and parmesan cheese until everything melds into a rich, creamy sauce. Toss in the baby spinach, stirring just enough to wilt those tender leaves. If you like, briefly remove the chicken to make stirring easier, but I often just push pieces aside with my spoon.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Turn off the heat and dig in! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is luxuriously creamy and the chicken tender and juicy.

Top Tip

From my kitchen adventures with Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe, these tips have made a huge difference in ensuring you nail this dish every time. Little tweaks go a long way!

Don’t skip thinning the chicken: It cooks evenly and quickly when all pieces are about the same thickness.
Watch the orzo’s boil: Keep the heat moderate to prevent it sticking or getting mushy—stir every few minutes.
Use fresh garlic: It adds a brighter, richer aroma than powder and helps build flavor in those first minutes.
Parmesan finish: Stir it in off the heat to keep the cheese silky and prevent graininess.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

creamy chicken and orzo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra grating of parmesan on top never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Since this is such a full meal on its own, I usually keep sides light and simple—think a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully if you’re feeding a crowd and want to sop up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch—it feels special but is surprisingly easy. Adding roasted cherry tomatoes on top or a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates the dish without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend storing the sauce and solids together since the orzo absorbs all that flavor and moisture. When cooling, try to let the dish cool slightly so condensation doesn’t make your leftovers watery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this meal once or twice with good results—just be aware that the creaminess can separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in single portions, defrost overnight in the fridge, and then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to bring back that luscious texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm leftovers over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it feels thick or dry. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep the texture creamy and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great and add a bit more richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have white wine on hand?

No problem at all! Simply substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. It still helps deglaze the pan and contributes to the dish’s depth of flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of parmesan. It won’t be exactly the same but still deliciously creamy.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking during cooking?

Stir the dish every few minutes during the simmer to make sure the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t cling to the pan bottom. Keep the heat at a gentle boil rather than a rolling boil to prevent sticking and burning.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos for busy evenings. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity, and I love how I can adjust it to suit my mood or pantry. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!