There’s something so comforting about a creamy, cheesy dinner that comes together in one pan. This Cheesy Chicken Orzo checks all the right boxes — easy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It’s one of those recipes I reach for on busy weeknights when the kids are hungry yesterday and I want something that feels a little special without taking all night.
I’ve always loved a meal that hugs you from the inside out, and this dish does just that. Between the tender chicken, rich cheddar and Parmesan, and that silky orzo that soaks up every drop of goodness — it’s the kind of comfort food that makes a Tuesday night feel like a Sunday supper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Orzo
- Quick and easy — Dinner on the table in about 40 minutes.
- One pan — Less mess, more flavor (and fewer dishes to wash!).
- Family-friendly — Even the pickiest eaters love creamy pasta.
- Customizable — Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
When I first made this recipe, it quickly became one of my husband’s favorites — and that’s saying something. He’s the kind of guy who considers mac and cheese a food group, so when he calls something “better than mac,” I know it’s a winner.
What Does Cheesy Chicken Orzo Taste Like?
Imagine all the comfort of a cheesy casserole but creamier and silkier. The orzo pasta cooks right in the broth and milk, soaking up every bit of flavor. The chicken stays juicy, the cheese melts into a luscious sauce, and the spinach adds that little touch of freshness that makes you feel just a bit virtuous about going back for seconds.
It’s cozy, rich, and slightly tangy from the Parmesan — a perfect balance between hearty and light.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken Orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Pro Tip: Want a different twist? Try mozzarella for an ooey-gooey melt or a smoky gouda for a bold punch of flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Orzo (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, flavorful dinner that feels gourmet but doesn’t take all night, Cheesy Chicken Orzo is about to become your new best friend. This dish comes together in one skillet — no oven, no extra pots, and minimal cleanup. Here’s how to make it from start to finish, with every detail you need to get that irresistibly creamy texture and golden, cheesy finish.
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes.
Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn lightly golden and are cooked through. You’ll notice a little caramelization at the bottom of the pan — that’s flavor gold right there!
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet — those browned bits left behind are the secret to building deep, savory flavor in your Cheesy Chicken Orzo.
Tip: If you love easy one-pan chicken recipes, try my Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet next — it has that same creamy comfort factor in noodle form.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (no need to wipe it out!), reduce the heat slightly and add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds — just until you can smell that irresistible garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can add bitterness.
This quick step lays the foundation for your creamy sauce and brings a wonderful depth to the Cheesy Chicken Orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo for Flavor
Add 1 cup of orzo pasta directly into the skillet with your onions and garlic. Stir it around for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Toasting the orzo before adding liquid helps it hold its shape and adds a subtle nutty flavor — a small but powerful step that makes your Cheesy Chicken Orzo taste restaurant-worthy.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo in Broth and Milk
Now pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. This helps prevent the orzo from sticking and allows it to cook evenly.
You’ll see the orzo slowly absorb the liquid and become tender and creamy — almost like a risotto, but so much easier.
If you like this kind of cozy, creamy texture, you’ll also love my One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta, which uses a similar technique for perfectly creamy pasta with no draining required.
Step 5: Add the Cooked Chicken and Cheeses
Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s time to turn this into pure comfort food. Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir slowly and continuously until both cheeses are fully melted and the mixture turns silky and thick. You’ll see the sauce coat every grain of orzo — that’s when you know your Cheesy Chicken Orzo is hitting that perfect creamy stage.
If you want to get creative, try swapping in mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor twist.
Step 6: Season and Add Spinach
Once your cheese sauce is smooth, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach, and gently stir for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well mixed into the dish.
The spinach not only adds color and nutrients but also balances the richness of the cheese with a touch of freshness.
Optional: Taste your Cheesy Chicken Orzo and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and let your Cheesy Chicken Orzo sit for about 2 to 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to marry beautifully.
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness.
Serve it warm, straight from the skillet, for that cozy, family-style dinner moment. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal — or if you’re in the mood for more comfort food, check out my Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole for another creamy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Bonus Tip from My Kitchen:
If your Cheesy Chicken Orzo thickens too much as it cools, just stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating. It brings that creamy texture right back — no one will ever guess it’s leftovers
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Orzo
- Don’t skip toasting the orzo. It deepens the flavor and keeps it from turning mushy.
- Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth before serving.
- Add-ins to love: sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even leftover cooked broccoli.
- Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully — just add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Storage for Cheesy Chicken Orzo
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freeze: It can be frozen for up to 2 months, but for best texture, enjoy it fresh.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just stir it in with the cheese step and reduce cooking time a bit.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free orzo or small rice pasta and double-check your broth labels.
Can I swap the milk for something lighter?
You can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, though it won’t be quite as creamy — still delicious, though!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and that perfectly creamy texture, it’s comfort in a skillet.
Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings warmth and simplicity to the table — no fuss, just flavor.
If you loved this dish, try pairing it with a light salad or roasted veggies — or check out my Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup for another cozy dinner idea.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Cheesy Chicken Orzo – Easy, Delicious, and Perfectly Creamy
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich flavors of cheesy chicken orzo, where succulent chicken meets creamy cheeses and fresh spinach, all beautifully blended with pasta for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes to slightly toast the orzo, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and coat the orzo and chicken evenly.
6. Mix in the Italian seasoning and chopped spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
7. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat, and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Orzo can be substituted with rice or quinoa for a different texture.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or fontina for variety.
Adding sun-dried tomatoes can add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
You can add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad on the side.
