Creamy Chicken Orzo Dish (Printable Version)
Tender chicken melds with orzo pasta and creamy cheese sauce for a comforting dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 ounces orzo pasta
→ Proteins
02 -
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces, patted dry
→ Fats and Oils
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
05 -
⅓ cup sweet yellow onion, small diced
06 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
07 -
½ cup baby spinach, chopped, stems removed, lightly packed
08 -
Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
→ Liquids and Broths
09 -
½ cup chicken broth
10 -
¼ cup whole milk
→ Seasonings and Spices
11 -
½ teaspoon salt, plus additional for pasta water
12 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
13 -
¼ teaspoon dried mustard
14 -
⅛ teaspoon sweet paprika
15 -
⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
→ Condensed Soups
16 -
21 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions, about 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 -
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and chicken pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until onions are tender and fragrant.
04 -
Stir in chicken broth, dried mustard, sweet paprika, and ground thyme. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth begins to simmer.
05 -
Add the condensed cheddar cheese soup and whole milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
06 -
Fold the reserved orzo into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated. Return the cooked chicken and add chopped spinach. Stir gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
07 -
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh or dried parsley if desired.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Use room temperature butter for easier melting and better integration with the aromatics.