🍴 Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Orzo 🧀

A delightful twist on dinner that brings a touch of comfort to your table, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are nicely browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add the orzo pasta, stirring well. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together to ensure the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
6. Serve the creamy orzo and chicken garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

Per serving:
- Calories: 580
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 780mg

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a whole milk alternative.
- Boost the dish's flavor by adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process for a mild heat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days and make a delicious reheated meal.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Serving: 4