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 tbsp 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 tbsp tomato paste; 2 handfuls baby spinach

There’s something truly irresistible about the meld of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and tiny pasta pearls all in one skillet. This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe strikes that perfect balance—the kind of dish that instantly feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with creamy orange sauce mixed with small, rice-shaped pasta pieces. Two cooked chicken thighs, golden brown with dark spice marks, are sitting on top of the sauce and pasta. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs, adding fresh color contrast. Black and gold utensils rest inside the pan on the right side. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a small part of a striped cloth visible at the bottom right corner. 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 love this recipe because it combines convenience and comfort without sacrificing flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough to whip up after work.

One-Pan Simplicity: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and company.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream, parmesan, and tomato paste creates an indulgent sauce that clings to the orzo beautifully.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without fuss.
Customizable: Easily tweak the seasonings or add veggies to fit what you have on hand or your mood.

The image shows a white plate with creamy orange pasta mixed with spinach at the bottom layer, giving a smooth and rich texture. On top, there are six thick slices of golden brown grilled chicken arranged in a slightly overlapping line across the center. The chicken is shiny with a textured surface from the grilling, and it is sprinkled with small white cheese bits and chopped fresh green parsley scattered on top and around the plate. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe comes from using simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. From the juicy chicken to the tender orzo soaking up flavorful broth and cream, each component plays an important role.

Flat lay of thin raw chicken breasts seasoned with cracked pepper and paprika, a few whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, uncooked orzo pasta arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red tomato paste, and two handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, 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

Thin chicken breasts: Pounding or slicing them thin ensures quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, paprika: These seasonings create a well-rounded flavor that’s both aromatic and savory.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the chicken.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives that punch of flavor that wakes up the dish.
White wine (or broth): Deglazing with wine adds depth, but broth works perfectly if you want to skip alcohol.
Low sodium chicken broth: The liquid foundation that cooks the orzo and infuses flavor without overpowering it.
Italian seasoning: Gives that Mediterranean touch with herbs like oregano and basil.
Crushed red pepper (optional): A little heat if you enjoy a subtle spicy kick.
Orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the garlicky, creamy goodness.
Heavy cream: Creates the dreamy, luscious sauce we all crave in a creamy skillet dish.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds sharp, salty flavor plus melty texture that completes the sauce perfectly.
Tomato paste: A hint of acidity and sweetness that adds complexity and richness.
Baby spinach: Quick-wilting greens add color, nutrients, and freshness without extra prep.

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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 like to keep the core of this recipe classic, but it’s super easy to personalize. Whether it’s adding your favorite veggies, swapping seasoning blends, or adjusting the spice level—this recipe invites creativity.

Variation: Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami and texture—both are great additions that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped heavy cream for coconut milk before and used nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a tasty dairy-free version.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, a pinch more crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika amps up the flavor nicely.
Herb Swaps: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top bring brightness and a fresh note, especially if you skip Italian seasoning.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

I start by pounding the chicken breasts or slicing them thin to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Pat them dry—this prevents steaming and helps the chicken get that beautiful golden crust. Then, I season generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don't be shy here; the seasoning is key to building flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet until it’s really hot, then add olive oil. When it’s shimmering, lay the chicken in one even layer. I sear about 1-2 minutes a side, just enough for a golden crust. The goal isn’t to cook through here, just develop flavor. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside briefly.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (around 1 minute). Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom — that’s pure flavor right there. When the wine has reduced slightly, add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper if using, and the orzo. Give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo and Chicken Together

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then nestle the chicken back in. Cover and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the orzo is tender but not mushy. Stir every few minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick or boil too vigorously. If you see the liquid boiling too hard, lower the heat a notch for a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Finish Creamy Goodness

Once the chicken and orzo are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and parmesan cheese until smooth and luscious. I sometimes remove the chicken briefly to make stirring easier, but it’s fine to just wiggle it around a bit. Finally, toss in the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, adding a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Turn off the heat and your Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is ready to serve! It’s everything you want on a cold evening or whenever you need a little comfort on your plate.

Top Tip

After cooking this recipe several times, I've learned a few tricks to keep it tasting fresh and perfectly creamy every time. They make the difference between a good dish and a truly memorable one.

Don't skip pounding the chicken: Thin chicken cooks evenly and stays tender, preventing chewy bites.
Deglaze well: Scraping those brown bits off your skillet when adding wine adds layers of rich flavor you don’t want to miss.
Stir the orzo gently: Frequent but gentle stirring prevents sticking and ensures perfectly cooked pasta without breaking it down.
Add the cream off heat: Lowering the heat before adding cream and cheese keeps the sauce silky without curdling.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Orzo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of herbal brightness. A little extra grated parmesan right before serving brings a lovely salty finish. Sometimes I sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch — highly recommend giving that a try!

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is rich and filling, I usually keep sides simple—like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty garlic bread is always a winner too for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual cast iron skillets which looks charming and keeps the dish warm. Or, for a family gathering, I place the entire skillet on the table surrounded by colorful salad bowls and bread baskets—it makes dinner feel cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy chicken and orzo reheats really well—just heat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, but cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you freeze, reheat slowly and stir well, maybe adding a little fresh cream to bring it back to silky smooth.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. This helps maintain the creamy texture and heats the chicken evenly without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, just adjust the cooking time as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries—the recipe works great using extra chicken broth instead of wine. You’ll still get plenty of flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein, and skip the chicken. The creamy orzo base is delicious on its own!

How do I know when the orzo is done?

You'll want the orzo to be tender but still hold its shape, what we call al dente. It should soak up most of the liquid but not be mushy. Taste a few minutes before the end of cooking to check.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for those evenings when I crave something comforting but don’t want to slave over the stove. The balance of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty orzo always impresses, whether I’m feeding family or friends. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it just might become a new favorite in your kitchen too!