Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo is a quick and comforting dinner featuring tender chicken breasts combined with delicate orzo pasta and creamy plant-based cheese in a rich, smooth sauce enhanced by natural flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal suitable for family dinners, easily customizable with veggies and spices for added variety.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat with the aromatics and oil. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the plant-based cheese (plant-based) and natural gelling agent gradually, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy, evenly coating the orzo.
- Combine and finish: Return the sliced chicken to the pan and gently toss to combine. Warm through for a few minutes. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley and adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use warm broth to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Add plant-based cheese slowly to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Slice chicken thinly to help it warm quickly when combined with orzo.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Orzo, plant-based cheese, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, one-pan meal
