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The first step in creating your Cozy Creamy Chicken Orzo is to sauté the onions and garlic. This aromatic base is crucial for building depth of flavor in your dish. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onions to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent. This process helps release their natural sweetness without browning too quickly.

Simple Creamy Chicken Orzo

Indulge in the warmth of Cozy Creamy Chicken Orzo, a comforting one-pot dish perfect for chilly nights. Featuring tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, velvety sauce and paired with orzo pasta, this recipe strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and indulgence. Sauté aromatics to enhance flavors, then combine everything for a meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Discover how easy it is to create this culinary delight that promises to warm both the heart and the palate.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (170g) orzo pasta

4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100g) frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

      Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and coat it well with the onion and garlic mixture. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a simmer.

        Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Incorporate Cream: Once the orzo is cooked, slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the frozen peas, dried thyme, paprika, and the sautéed chicken. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.

            Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken orzo hot, straight from the skillet!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings