Name: Chicken Alfredo Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup low-fat milk; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped spinach, frozen peas, steamed broccoli, diced zucchini

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Chicken alfredo orzo didn’t come from a cookbook — it came from exhaustion, a nearly empty fridge, and that look my kids give me when they’re starving and I’ve got nothing planned. I’m Amanda — and this site exists because I needed recipes that made sense for real life.

This one came together in a single pan, with just orzo, milk, one lonely chicken breast, and a handful of parmesan. It surprised me. Creamy, filling, and ready before anyone could complain.

Now it’s one of our go-to dinners. And like everything I share here, it’s not about perfection — it’s about getting dinner on the table when the day has taken everything out of you.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Alfredo Orzo

It’s Fast but Fulfilling

Chicken alfredo orzo comes together in under 30 minutes — no boiling separate pots, no fancy prep. Just one pan and simple ingredients for a dinner that feels like comfort food without the effort.

High-Protein, Creamy, and Light

This dish hits the sweet spot: lean chicken, protein-packed orzo, and a creamy texture made with milk and parmesan — no heavy cream needed.

For a similar one-skillet meal, try this garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for chicken alfredo orzo arranged on wood counter

Pantry + Fridge Staples

This recipe keeps it simple. You probably have most of this on hand:

1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-fat milk
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Want to stretch it or sneak in more veggies? Fold in a handful of:

Chopped spinach
Frozen peas
Steamed broccoli
Diced zucchini

Make It Work for You

No chicken? Swap in cooked shrimp or go vegetarian — just skip the meat and use veggie broth.
No orzo? Small pasta like pearl couscous or ditalini can work in a pinch.
No dairy? Use unsweetened oat milk and a plant-based parmesan.

Need more ideas for diced chicken dinners? This diced chicken breast recipe collection is full of fast, flexible meals that start with the same ingredient.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Orzo

1. Boil the Orzo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Diced chicken cooking for chicken alfredo orzo

3. Add Garlic

Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.

Garlic added to chicken for chicken alfredo orzo

4. Pour in Liquids

Add 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Adding liquid to pan for chicken alfredo orzo

5. Stir in Cheeses

Add ¼ cup parmesan and 1 tablespoon cream cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and melty.

Cheese melting into chicken alfredo orzo

6. Add the Orzo

Return the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until it’s fully coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

7. Finish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in spinach or peas if using. Serve hot and creamy.

Final chicken alfredo orzo ready to serve

Why This Chicken Alfredo Orzo Works

Big Flavor, Small Effort

The beauty of chicken alfredo orzo is how it layers flavor fast. First, you brown the chicken for a golden sear. Then you build the sauce right in the same pan — no separate pots, no long wait.

Orzo Makes It Creamy Without Cream

Orzo is a small pasta, but it acts like a sponge. It soaks up the cheesy broth, giving chicken alfredo orzo a creamy, risotto-like texture — without the stirring or heavy cream.

Just Enough Cheese

Parmesan brings the salt, depth, and richness. A spoon of cream cheese is optional, but it makes everything silkier and a little indulgent — just enough to feel special without going overboard.

Real-Life Simplicity

This recipe is done in one pan and around 30 minutes. That means less cleanup, less stress, and more time for what matters — which is exactly why chicken alfredo orzo earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Want a creamy chicken dish with a crispy, golden crust? Try this parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce next.

Make It Your Own

Add Veggies Without Complaints

Fold in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or chopped steamed broccoli just before serving. They’ll melt right in and boost nutrition without a fight from the table.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

Short on time? Leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Just skip the sauté step and stir it in when you add the orzo.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and bump up the veggies. You’ll still get that creamy chicken alfredo orzo texture — just meat-free.

Kid-Friendly Twists

Swap orzo for small shells or elbow pasta if that’s what your kids love. You can even stir in a little shredded mozzarella to up the cheesiness.

Dairy-Free Adjustments

Use unsweetened oat or almond milk, a plant-based cream cheese (optional), and a vegan parmesan. The flavor still shines, especially if you season well.

Need more ideas like this? These baked chicken bites are another flexible weeknight hit that works with whatever’s in the fridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Overcook the Orzo

Orzo cooks fast — too fast, sometimes. Boil it just until al dente, or it can turn mushy once added back into the sauce. Undercook slightly if you plan to reheat later.

Don’t Skip the Simmer

Once the milk and broth go in, let the sauce simmer gently. Rushing this step leaves the sauce too thin and underdeveloped — especially important for chicken alfredo orzo, which depends on a creamy, clingy finish.

Taste Before Salting

Parmesan is salty by nature. Always taste the sauce before adding more salt. Otherwise, the whole dish can tip into overpowering territory.

Add Veggies Last

Stir in spinach, peas, or other soft veggies right at the end. If added too early, they’ll wilt down too much or lose their color and texture.

Like sauce-based meals with structure? This chicken taco casserole is another cozy dinner that balances creamy and hearty in just the right way.

FAQ About Chicken Alfredo Orzo

What is chicken alfredo orzo made of?

It’s a one-pan dish made with diced chicken breast, orzo pasta, garlic, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan. Optional cream cheese adds extra creaminess, and spinach or peas can be folded in at the end.

Can I make creamy orzo with no heavy cream?

Yes! That’s the beauty of chicken alfredo orzo — it’s creamy without needing any heavy cream. Milk and parmesan do the job, and a touch of cream cheese helps if you want it extra silky.

Is chicken alfredo orzo good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge. Just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

What vegetables go well in chicken alfredo orzo?

Spinach and peas are quick and easy. You can also try steamed broccoli, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.

If meal prep is your thing, this chicken tender salad is another great option that keeps well and packs protein.

Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to feel good. Some nights, it’s just about getting something warm, real, and comforting on the table — and knowing you did that with what you had.