Indulge in a comforting bowl of "Creamy Chicken Orzo with Sage" that’s not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare! This delightful American dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the unique flavor of fresh sage, all enveloped in perfectly cooked orzo pasta. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this gourmet meal comes together. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the fresh sage leaves.
- Season the diced chicken breast generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and chopped sage, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing gently to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional chopped sage.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and chicken in advance. This way, you can focus on cooking once you’re ready to start.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken. A well-seasoned protein is key to enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. If you can, avoid dried sage as it doesn’t provide the same vibrant taste.
- Monitor the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. It can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly, so stir occasionally and taste for doneness.
- Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream. You can also add more cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely presentation.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy a quick meal later in the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 125mg
