How much orzo per person?

You can measure out orzo and should plan on about 1/4 cup (or 2 ounces) dry pasta per person . Orzo will more than double in size when cooked so don't worry, there will be enough.

Although originating in Italy , orzo has long been extremely popular in other cuisines, particularly those along the Mediterranean & the Middle East.

Is orzo the same as risoni?

Is there a difference between Orzo and Risoni? Nope, they're the same thing ! Tiny rice shaped pasta that's widely available nowadays, it's called risoni here in Australia but most countries in the world call it orzo.

Is orzo healthier than rice or pasta?

Orzo also has a higher fiber content than rice as well. Orzo does, however, have a higher carbohydrate content per serving, but not by much. Due to the higher protein and fiber content, orzo will leave you feeling fuller for longer which is helpful for those trying to lose weight.

How much does 1 cup of dry orzo make?

Add 1 cup dried orzo (about 6 ounces) to boiling water. This yields 2 cups cooked : 4 servings of ½ cup each.

How do Italians eat orzo?

Orzo can be an ingredient in soup, including avgolemono, a Greek soup, and in Italian soups such as minestrone . It can also be part of a salad, a pilaf, or giouvetsi, or baked in a casserole. It can also be boiled and lightly fried, to create a dish similar to risotto.

What is orzo called in English?

Orzo, the Italian name for the cereal grain barley (Hordeum vulgare); sometimes encountered in English-language works on Italian cuisine.

Is orzo Spanish or Italian?

Originating in Italy , orzo pasta has long been a favorite ingredient to use in dishes from soups to salads to starchy sides. So popular, in fact, the rice-shaped pasta earned a following in Spain and Greece. In Spain orzo is called piñones, the Spanish translation for pine nut.

Raw orzo does not contain a lot of calories . The general calorie count of orzo depends on the brand and ingredients used to make it. The whole grains version of orzo is a healthy option with fewer calories ranging from 300-375 kcal per 100g. However, refined flour orzo can have a higher calorie count than whole grain.

Can diabetics eat orzo?

Orzo and asparagus are low-glycemic foods, making this recipe great for those who need to control their blood sugar.

Which is healthier, orzo or quinoa?

Which is healthier, orzo or quinoa? Quinoa offers more protein and isn't gluten-filled like orzo. However, both are healthy in a balanced diet. But if you want more protein and no gluten, quinoa is the healthier option .

How many cups of orzo for 2 servings?

For two servings, measure approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo. Be sure to adjust the quantity based on your desired portion size. Add the orzo to the boiling water and give it a quick stir to prevent sticking. Allow the orzo to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of tenderness.

What is the ratio of orzo to water?

Orzo to Water Ratio Generally it is 1 cup of uncooked orzo to 2 cups of water or broth . There is typically liquid left over after cooking that needs to be drained before using.

How much pasta do I need for 2 adults?

If you're having pasta as your main meal, we'd suggest the following quantities: 100g of dried pasta per person . 120g of fresh pasta per person.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (2024)

Diethood » Recipes » Dinner Recipes » Chicken Orzo Recipe

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By: KaterinaPosted: Nov 27, 2023

5 from 5 votes

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This rich and savory chicken orzo recipe is loaded with juicy chicken pieces, fresh asparagus, and ripe tomatoes tossed together with tender orzo pasta in a creamy sauce.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (2)

This family favorite chicken orzo dish, featuring crisp asparagus and juicy, ripe tomatoes, is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect solution for an effortless weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the entire family, and it even leaves you with delicious leftovers for the days to come.

Why We Love This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

Quick and cozy. Have a huge bowl of comforting chicken orzo ready in under an hour. This recipe is one of the best throw-it-together dinners for weeknights.
Rich, creamy sauce. Enjoy a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats all the ingredients in this dish. It’s easy to make and packed with a robust Parmesan flavor.
Customizable. You can customize this dish with your preferred pasta, vegetables, proteins, etc. If you have extra ingredients hanging out in the fridge, this recipe is the perfect way to use them.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (3)

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta made from durum wheat or semolina flour, the same flour used to make couscous and most Italian pasta. Orzo is a little chewy, with a subtle, nutty taste.You’ll find orzo in a lot of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, and it’s a popular pairing with chicken, as in chicken in a pot with lemon orzo and chicken orzo soup.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (4)

Ingredients For Chicken Orzo

Orzo Pasta: You can use whole wheat orzo or white flour orzo, cooked according to the package directions.
Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into even-sized cubes.
Veggies: Fresh chopped asparagus and ripe cherry tomatoes or any veggies of your choosing.
Olive Oil, Butter, and Flour:You’ll whisk them together to form a roux, which is the base for your cream sauce.
Chicken Broth:I recommend low-sodium chicken broth, or you can also use vegetable broth.
Milk: You can use whole milk, 2%, or skim milk.
Parmesan: Freshly shredded is best.

How to Make Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (5)

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (6)

Boil the orzo. In a large pot of salted water, boil the orzo to al dente.
Cook the chicken and veggies. Meanwhile, sauté the chicken pieces and asparagus in a large skillet with oil. When the chicken is browned, stir in the cherry tomatoes. Set the skillet aside.
Make the sauce. In a separate pan, whisk together flour with melted butter and oil to create a roux. Add chicken broth and milk. Lastly, take the pan off the heat and stir in your grated parmesan cheese.
Combine. Drain the cooked orzo, and add it to the sauce with your chicken, asparagus, and tomatoes. Stir everything together, season to taste, and serve!

Recipe Tips And Variations

Use leftover chicken. If you already have cooked leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken on hand, it makes this recipe even quicker!
To cook orzo, you’ll boil it in a pot and drain it the same as you would any other kind of pasta. Most orzo cooks al dente (with a bite) in about 8 minutes.
Salt the pasta water. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water you’ll use to cook your orzo. The key to flavorful pasta is well-seasoned pasta water.
Add lemon. Stir in some fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to boost the flavors.
Different veggies. In place of asparagus, try broccoli florets, celery, carrots, kale, peas, or any other vegetable you have on hand. You might also like this cheesy chicken orzo recipe with fresh spinach.
Different protein. In place of chicken, try steak bites or air fryer meatballs. Crumble in some cooked, smoky bacon for extra flavor. Or, try this one pot shrimp with orzo.
Herbs. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (8)

What Can I Substitute for Orzo?

Pasta: Make this recipe with penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or long pasta varieties like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
Gluten-free: The best gluten-free substitutes for orzo are arborio rice, quinoa, or millet.
Grain-free: Replace orzo with prepared cauliflower rice or lentils.
Other: Try another grain, like farro and pearl barley.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Orzo ticks all the boxes for a meal in one, but you can always round out your dinner with homemade focaccia bread or garlic breadsticks. This light and easy Caesar salad, or this Mediterranean white bean salad are also great! I also love to serve it with my easy oven roasted vegetables, these savory roasted mushrooms, or crispy air fryer roasted broccoli.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe - Easy Chicken Dinner Idea! (9)

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store, transfer the chicken orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until the chicken is hot throughout.

More Chicken Pasta Recipes to Try

Chicken Pasta Bake
Chicken Pasta Primavera
Lemon Chicken Fettuccine
Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Chicken Orzo Recipe

Katerina | Diethood

This rich and creamy chicken orzo recipe is loaded with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and ripe, juicy tomatoes tossed together with orzo pasta in a creamy sauce.

5 from 5 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 6

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked according to the directions on the package
▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
▢ 1 pound asparagus, ends cut, and chopped into 2-inch pieces
▢ salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
▢ 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Sauce

▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 tablespoon butter
▢ 3 teaspoons all-purpose flour
▢ 1 cup chicken broth
▢ ½ cup milk you can use skim, 2%, or whole milk
▢ ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
▢ salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare orzo per directions on the box. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and asparagus; season with salt and pepper and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is cooked and browned on all sides.
Add tomatoes and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tomatoes are tender; set aside.
Heat olive oil and melt butter in a separate large pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with flour and whisk to combine, whisking and cooking for 1 to 2 minutes.
Whisk in the chicken broth until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer; allow to cook for 1 minute or until thickened.
Remove from heat, add parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper; stir until the cheese is melted.
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce with the chicken, asparagus, and tomato mixture. Toss well to combine. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if needed.
Serve.

Equipment

Notes

Vegetables: Swap the asparagus for other options like broccoli, celery, carrots, kale, peas, or any veggies you have available.
Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider using shrimp, steak bites, or crumbled cooked bacon.
Herbs: Add flavor with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Orzo: If you don’t have orzo, make this recipe with penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or long pasta varieties.

Nutrition

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: chicken orzo recipe, orzo with chicken recipe, recipe for chicken orzo

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