There’s something so comforting about a rich, velvety meal that comes together in just one pan. This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe is exactly that—a creamy, cheesy, satisfying dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your belly with pure contentment.

The dish shows a close-up of a creamy, orange-colored sauce mixed with small, rice-shaped pasta all around. On top of the sauce and pasta, there is a single, large, seasoned, golden-brown cooked chicken piece covered with chopped green herbs. The sauce and pasta have a smooth, thick texture with visible small bits of seasoning. Two black and gold chopsticks rest on the edge of the pan, which is light gray with a shiny gold handle. The background surface is white marble with soft patterns, and there is a striped cloth partially visible in the 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 seriously can’t get enough of this skillet meal. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty and creamy, all while being ridiculously easy to pull together—ideal for those nights when you want something special without a million steps.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy sauce and tender chicken come together to create that cozy vibe everyone loves.
Quick & Easy: From prep to table in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
Customizable: Easy to tweak your seasonings or add greens, making it yours every time.

A sliced grilled chicken piece with a light brown, slightly charred top layer is placed on a creamy orange orzo pasta mixed with dark green spinach. The chicken has small black pepper dots and is sprinkled with white cheese crumbs and green parsley leaves. The dish sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a vital role, bringing flavor, texture, and that creamy finish you crave. When shopping, look for fresh chicken breasts and quality cheeses for the best results—these details really shine through.

Flat lay of thin raw chicken breasts seasoned with cracked black pepper and paprika, a few whole garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowls containing olive oil, white wine, low sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, and bright red tomato paste, a heap of uncooked orzo pasta, grated parmesan cheese, and two small piles of fresh baby spinach leaves all evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged 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: Thin pieces cook quickly and evenly, making sure the chicken stays tender.
Sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, paprika: These simple spices build a flavorful crust on the chicken that’s hard to resist.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps with perfect searing.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic delivers an aromatic punch that permeates the whole dish.
White wine (or broth): Deglazes the pan adding depth and a subtle tang; broth works well as a cozy substitute.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish hydrated while adding savory notes without overwhelming saltiness.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that ties the flavors together effortlessly.
Crushed red pepper: Optional, but adds a nice subtle heat if you like a little kick.
Orzo: The star pasta here—tiny, tender, and perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that defines this recipe.
Parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle umami boost and a hint of sweetness to balance the creaminess.
Baby spinach: Fresh greens wilt into the dish for extra color, nutrients, and a fresh finish.

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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 easy it is to play around with the flavors and ingredients. I've tried swapping out spinach for kale or adding mushrooms, and I encourage you to do the same to fit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: I once stirred in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist that added an extra layer of richness—totally worth trying!
For a lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the parmesan slightly; it’s still creamy but a bit lighter on calories.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch more crushed red pepper or some smoked paprika for a smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
Vegetarian swap: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the same creamy base.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

I like to start by pounding my chicken breasts to about half an inch thick—this helps them cook fast and stay juicy. If you don’t have a meat mallet, slicing them in half lengthwise also works great. Then, I pat them dry and season generously with sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The seasoning is key for that crave-worthy golden crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and when it’s shimmering, carefully place the chicken in one even layer. Sear each side for just 1-2 minutes until you get that beautiful golden-brown crust—don’t overcook here because it’ll finish cooking later in the sauce. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and add a drizzle more olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute until it’s fragrant—you’ll know because the smell fills the kitchen. Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken—it’s where the flavor hides!

Step 4: Add Broth, Orzo & Seasonings

Next, stir in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins, as the orzo will slowly absorb all those flavors.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Carefully nestle the chicken back into the skillet, cover it, then let everything cook together for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking or over-boiling. You want the pasta al dente and the chicken cooked through (165°F internal temp), with most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Make it Creamy & Finish with Spinach

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and parmesan until the sauce turns deliciously creamy. I usually just shift the chicken around to make room for stirring, but you can gently remove it if it helps. Finally, add the baby spinach and stir it in just long enough to wilt those vibrant greens. Remove from heat and you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

Making this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe again and again, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn it from good to unforgettable. These simple pointers keep things smooth and delicious every time.

Don’t skip drying the chicken: Patting your chicken dry before seasoning lets the spices really stick and helps you get that perfect sear without steaming.
Temperature matters: Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil and chicken—this saves time and ensures a golden crust.
Adjust liquid levels carefully: Stirring every few minutes when the orzo simmers keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly without scorching.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts smoother than pre-grated types and adds a richer flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Orzo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil—it brightens up the creamy richness. A little extra parmesan grated on top right before serving takes it to another level, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a lovely hint of freshness if you want to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish is so hearty it stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add a side, a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli work wonderfully. Crusty garlic bread is my go-to for soaking up every last bit of sauce—trust me, it’s worth it!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic, cozy presentation. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel extra thoughtful without needing much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy texture holds up nicely, though the spinach melds into the dish more after sitting. Reheat gently to keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender.

Freezing

Freezing creamy dishes can be tricky, but I’ve had success with this recipe by freezing in portioned containers. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge to prevent the cream from separating. Give it a good stir while reheating to bring everything back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickened too much. Stirring occasionally helps regain that luscious creaminess without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo is small and cooks nicely absorbing the sauce, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small shells. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, and keep an eye on liquid amounts to avoid drying out the dish.

Is it okay to skip the white wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. This keeps the dish flavorful and ensures it remains family-friendly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this creamy chicken and orzo recipe dairy-free, swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative. Use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for 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 no longer be pink inside.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation—it's fast, comforting, and so darn flavorful. I love how the creamy sauce wraps around tender chicken and tiny orzo, creating a hug on a plate that’s easy to share with family or friends. Give it a try the next time you want a hassle-free, hearty meal—you might just find it becomes your new favorite go-to!