Here’s a delicious, comforting recipe for Orzo with Chicken and Mushrooms — creamy, savory, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal prep option.
🍗 Orzo with Chicken and Mushrooms
⏱️ Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
🥘 One-pot optional!
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Orzo:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or mix of broth + water)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Aromatics & Mushrooms
- In the same pan, add another tbsp oil or butter.
- Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cook for 5–6 minutes until mushrooms are browned and their moisture has mostly evaporated.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Toast the Orzo
- Add orzo to the pan and stir to coat in the oil/mushroom mixture.
- Toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (optional but adds flavor).
4. Simmer
- Add chicken broth.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make It Creamy
- Stir in the cooked chicken, Parmesan, and cream.
- Simmer for 1–2 more minutes until creamy.
- Add lemon juice (if using) and adjust seasoning.
6. Finish & Serve
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
🧡 Variations:
- Add spinach or peas at the end for extra greens.
- Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Add a splash of white wine with the mushrooms for depth.