There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that melts creamy cheese, tender chicken, and tiny pasta all in one skillet. This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is exactly that – simple, rich, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a white pot with a golden handle. At the center, there is a browned piece of chicken covered in a thick, light orange sauce mixed with small pieces of pasta that have a slightly shiny texture. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs and red pepper flakes, adding specks of green and red on top of the sauce and chicken. Two black and gold utensils rest inside the pot, partially submerged in the creamy pasta and sauce mixture. The background features a white marbled surface with a cloth napkin nearby. 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’m always on the lookout for meals that bring flavor, comfort, and quick prep all wrapped into one. This creamy chicken and orzo skillet ticks every box. It’s one-pan magic that delivers on cozy textures and savory notes, perfect for any night you want a warm hug on a plate.

Simplicity at Its Best: One pan means less cleanup – always a win in my book.
Totally Creamy & Comforting: Heavy cream and parmesan make the sauce luscious without being overwhelming.
Quick to Prep and Cook: Ready in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust seasonings or sneak in extra greens depending on your cravings.

The image shows a white plate with creamy orange-colored orzo pasta mixed with green spinach leaves. On top of the pasta are six thick slices of grilled chicken with a golden-brown crust, sprinkled with small white cheese bits and fresh green parsley leaves. The chicken slices lay across the pasta in the middle of the plate. The sauce on the pasta looks smooth and coats the orzo well. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is a reason the dish tastes so comforting and balanced. From the savory spices that coat the chicken to the creamy mix that turns the orzo into a velvety bed, it all comes together beautifully.

Flat lay of thin raw chicken breasts seasoned with cracked pepper and paprika, three 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, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, uncooked orzo pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of tomato paste, two handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, uncracked whole brown eggs 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: I prefer thin-cut or butterflied breasts so they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, paprika: These simple spices build a flavorful crust on the chicken, giving it a subtle kick and smokiness.
Olive oil: Adds a warm, fruity richness for searing chicken and sautéing garlic.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth – I don’t skip it.
White wine (optional): I love how it brightens the sauce, but chicken broth works just as well for a richer, non-alcoholic version.
Low sodium chicken broth: The base liquid that cooks the orzo and keeps everything moist without overwhelming saltiness.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbs like oregano and basil that perfectly complement the chicken and orzo.
Crushed red pepper: Just a touch adds a gentle heat; optional but I like that little warmth.
Orzo: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all that creamy sauce – it’s perfect for one-skillet meals.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and keeps the orzo tender.
Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty depth that rounds out the creaminess beautifully.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances the cream.
Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end, it wilts gently and adds a pop of color and nutrition.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily switch up the protein or add different veggies based on what you have on hand or your mood.

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken for turkey breasts or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist – just adjust cooking times accordingly, and you’ll have a tasty alternative anytime.
Spice it Up: Try adding smoked paprika instead of regular, or sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes at the end for more heat if you like it spicy.
Greens Upgrade: Sometimes I toss in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach to add a bit more texture and earthiness.
Cheese Swap: Parmesan is classic, but a bit of pecorino or asiago works great if you want a sharper flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Perfect Chicken

Start by thinning the chicken breasts—this helps them cook fast and stay juicy. I like to either pound them gently to about half an inch thick or slice them lengthwise if they're large. Patting them dry is key because moisture can get in the way of that gorgeous golden sear. Once dry, sprinkle generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t hesitate to taste as you go with the seasoning; a little extra garlic or paprika can really amp up the flavor.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken

Heat a large deep skillet on medium-high until it's hot enough to make a drop of water sizzle away. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and wait until it’s shimmering. Place the chicken in gently and let it sear without moving it too much. About 1–2 minutes per side gets you a beautiful golden crust. Resist the urge to poke or prod the chicken—it’ll release less juice and build a better crust that way. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Building Flavor with Garlic and Deglazing

Lower the heat to medium and add a drizzle more olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir gently for about a minute until it smells fragrant. This little step is a flavor jackpot! Then pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those golden brown bits stuck to the bottom—this is where so much flavor hides. If you’re skipping the wine, chicken broth works just fine here.

Step 4: Simmering the Orzo and Chicken

Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper if using, and the uncooked orzo to the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Then, nestle the chicken back into the skillet, cover it, and let it cook for 10–15 minutes. Check the orzo and chicken every few minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for tender orzo that's absorbed most of the liquid and chicken cooked through to at least 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Adding Creaminess & Greens

Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and parmesan cheese. This transforms the pan into a silky, indulgent sauce. You can pull the chicken out briefly to make stirring easier, but I usually just shift things around carefully. Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, toss in the baby spinach and give a quick stir to wilt it—just a minute is enough.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything’s combined, remove from heat and dish it out. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the orzo, and the tender seasoned chicken steals the show. I like to serve straight from the skillet because it keeps things cozy and casual.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the results and take away the guesswork, so you can enjoy it stress-free.

Don’t rush the sear: Getting that golden crust on the chicken first locks in juices and adds more flavor to the whole dish.
Keep the heat steady: When simmering the orzo with broth, resist the urge to crank the heat past a gentle boil to avoid sticking or mushy pasta.
Adjust seasoning last: Once the cream and cheese are added, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Parmesan adds saltiness, so better to check now than overdo it earlier.
Stir spinach in just at the end: It wilts quickly and keeps its vibrant color and fresh flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

creamy chicken and orzo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra grated parmesan on top for a fresh pop and a touch more cheesy goodness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness—it’s such a refreshing finish!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this creamy chicken and orzo with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for balance or even some roast asparagus or green beans to keep it simple but full of crunch and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in little casserole dishes and sprinkled toasted pine nuts over the top for a subtle crunch and a nutty aroma. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but feels like a comforting home-cooked meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to soak up more liquid over time so it thickens – just loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing creamy dishes can be tricky because cream sometimes separates when thawed, but I’ve had good success freezing this recipe without the cream added. You can freeze it in portions before adding cream, then thaw and stir cream in while reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a bit of chicken broth or water stirred in. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the chicken moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps it reheat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice or other grains instead of orzo?

Orzo has a unique texture and cooks quickly in this recipe, so swapping it for brown rice or other grains would require longer cooking times and likely more liquid. If you want to experiment, cook the grain separately according to package instructions and stir it in at the end to avoid mushiness.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque without any pink.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of parmesan. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary a bit, but it can still be deliciously creamy.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before stirring it into the skillet at the end, to avoid extra water diluting the creamy sauce. Fresh baby spinach gives the best texture and color if you can get it.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe has earned a permanent place in my weekly rotation because it’s unpretentious but so satisfying. I hope you enjoy the ease of one-pan cooking combined with a rich, cozy meal as much as I do. Once you try it, it just might become your go-to when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.