Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo

  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and a luscious plant-based cheese sauce combined with tender orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and versatile recipe delivers rich, creamy texture and savory depth perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (natural), shredded
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and dice the chicken breasts into even chunks. Chop the onions and mince the garlic. Gather fresh herbs and measure the orzo pasta and vegetable broth to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces until crisp and golden. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken chunks and cook until they turn juicy and lightly browned on all sides, developing great flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat and add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until soft and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning, releasing the natural sweetness of the onions.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the aromatics, stirring to coat it well. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based heavy cream along with shredded plant-based cheese (natural). Add back in the cooked turkey bacon and chicken. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Turn off the heat and fold in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving this warming, delightful Creamy Chicken Orzo.

Notes

  • Cook the orzo gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure perfect tenderness.
  • Use fresh herbs added at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
  • Do not skip the smoked turkey bacon; it adds essential smoky crunch to the creamy dish.
  • Allow the sauce to rest off heat for a few minutes to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding extra plant-based cheese (natural) or heavy cream (plant-based) slowly to reach your preferred texture.
  • 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: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, comfort food, easy dinner, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, quick meal

Find it online: https://homedishideas.com/creamy-chicken-orzo/