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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Orzo

This dish features tender slices of chicken cooked in a garlic butter sauce, combined with orzo pasta soaked in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with fresh thyme. The final dish has a rich, smooth texture with crispy edges on the chicken and a luscious, saucy coating on the pasta, garnished with Parmesan and herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken slices dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden, filling the kitchen with a warm garlic aroma.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  3. Pour in the orzo pasta and stir well to coat each grain with the garlic butter mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the orzo turns slightly translucent and begins to toast lightly, emitting a nutty scent.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The orzo will begin to absorb the cream and thicken, creating a creamy sauce base.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped thyme, then continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and coats the orzo evenly.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  6. Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet, placing them on top of the creamy orzo. Cook for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and let the flavors meld together.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  7. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, then serve the creamy garlic chicken with orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
    2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or additional Parmesan before serving. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.