Creamy Chicken Alfredo Orzo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a one-skillet dinner packed with tender chicken, buttery garlic, and rich Parmesan sauce. Quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights!

If you're looking for a creamy, comforting dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly, you're going to love this Chicken Alfredo Orzo. It's a delicious one-pot recipe that blends juicy, seasoned chicken with velvety Alfredo sauce and tender orzo pasta. Whether you're cooking for your family or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

The best part? It’s made with pantry staples and cooks in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. From the buttery garlic-infused chicken to the rich Parmesan-laced sauce that clings to every piece of orzo—this is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes with the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot = less mess. No boiling pasta separately.

• Rich, creamy Alfredo flavor that doesn’t feel heavy.

• Customizable spice level—keep it mild or add a little heat.

• 30-minute dinner that tastes like a weekend indulgence.

• Perfect for leftovers—just add a splash of cream or broth to revive.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient in this Chicken Alfredo Orzo plays a role in delivering flavor and texture. Here’s why it works:

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cubed)
  Chicken breasts keep it lean, while thighs bring a little more richness. Cubing it before cooking allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.

Seasonings for Chicken

• 1 tbsp butter – Adds flavor and helps sear the chicken.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for a strong aromatic base.

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder & ½ tsp onion powder – Layers of savory flavor.

• 1/2 tsp paprika & 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Adds depth and a subtle smokiness.

• 1/2 tsp dried chives – A delicate onion flavor that complements the garlic.

• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional) – Just a little heat to elevate the creaminess.

• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning every layer.

For the Alfredo Orzo

• 2 tbsp butter – Builds the sauce and helps toast the orzo.

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.

• 1 tsp minced garlic – Garlic and cream are a dreamy combo.

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta – The star! Orzo is perfect for creamy dishes and cooks quickly.

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water) – Adds flavor and cooks the pasta right in the pan.

• 1 cup heavy cream – The heart of any Alfredo sauce.

• 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds herby, peppery, and earthy flavor notes.

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, melty perfection.

• Fresh parsley for garnish – A bright, fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, dried chives, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until chicken is almost cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Add minced garlic and finish cooking until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan—this helps the chicken brown instead of steam.

Step 2: Build the Base

To the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, stir in the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Tip: Toasting the orzo gives it a nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape while simmering.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Tip: Stirring ensures the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. If it looks too dry before it’s done, add an extra splash of broth.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the broth is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for 5–6 more minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Warm everything together for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm!

Tips for Success

• Swap the protein. Shrimp, turkey, or even crispy tofu work if you're mixing things up.

• Don’t skip the toasting. Toasting orzo helps prevent mushy texture.

• Use fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.

• Want it saucier? Add an extra splash of cream or broth just before serving.

• Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free orzo or a short pasta substitute like rice-shaped pasta alternatives.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth before microwaving to loosen the sauce.

• Freeze: Not recommended—cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen.

What to Serve With It

• A light side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce.

• Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli.

If creamy pasta dishes are your love language, this Chicken Alfredo Orzo is calling your name. It’s rich, savory, and satisfying—without needing to stand over the stove for an hour. Perfect for date night, a cozy family dinner, or your weekly meal prep.

🍽️ Craving More?

Try these next:

• Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Lemon Herb Chicken

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Chicken Alfredo Orzo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Orzo is a one-skillet dinner packed with tender chicken, buttery garlic, and rich Parmesan sauce. Quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried chives
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Alfredo Orzo

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, dried chives, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Sauté until nearly cooked through. Add garlic and finish cooking. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and uncooked orzo. Cook for 1 minute to toast.
3. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add heavy cream, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes uncovered, until thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the skillet and warm through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

504

Fat

40.4 g

Carbs

17.3 g

Protein

18.9 g

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