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Parmesan Herb Chicken, Mushroom and Orzo Skillet features tender orzo, sauteed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and salty, nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a one pan, easy to make, comfort food dinner the whole family will love!
If you love this orzo recipe I think you’ll enjoy this Parmesan Chicken and Orzo.
This post and recipe have been updated since it was originally published on 2/21/2018
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Chicken and Mushroom Orzo
One pan – No need to cook the orzo in a separate pot. The chicken, mushrooms, and orzo all get cooked in the same pan. It makes the cooking process easier and the cleanup a breeze!
Great for weeknights or company – This is a quick and easy dinner that works great for weeknights when you’re short on time (it’s ready in about 35 minutes), but it’s elegant enough to serve for company or for date night.
Wholesome and balanced – This is a meal that can stand on its own, but feel free to serve your favorite salad with it. There’s a nice balance of carbs, protein, fat, and veggies in this meal, which makes it more satisfying and satiating.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts – Chicken thighs may be used as well.
Italian seasoning – Used to season the chicken.
Cremini mushrooms – They have a firmer texture and earthier flavor compared to white mushrooms. You can use white mushrooms if you prefer.
Shallots and garlic – The aromatics.
Orzo – A small rice shaped pasta.
Dry white wine – Pinot grigio is a great option. If you don’t use alcohol, use additional chicken broth.
Chicken broth – Always use low sodium so the dish doesn’t end up being too salty.
Flat leaf parsley and thyme – The fresh herbs. They brighten up the flavor of the pasta.
Parmesan cheese – Grate the Parmesan cheese yourself for the best flavor. It will also melt into the orzo better.
How to Make Chicken Orzo Skillet
Season the chicken with salt, pepper and the Italian seasoning. In a deep skillet or pot, sauté the chicken in olive oil. Once it’s cooked through remove it onto a plate.
Add the shallots and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for a minute or two. Add in the garlic and sauté for another minute. Pour in the wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil, then pour in the orzo. Stir, then lower the heat to low. Simmer until the orzo is al dente. Stir frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add the herbs, Parmesan cheese, and chicken into the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted. Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cremini mushrooms can be substituted with white mushrooms, shitakes (remove the stems), or portobellos (scrape out the gills).
- If you don’t like mushrooms replace them with a different vegetable such as asparagus, zucchini, or peas.
- Make the orzo skillet vegetarian by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth and replacing the chicken with a drained and rinsed can of cannellini beans.
- Substitute Parmesan cheese with fontina or mozzarella cheese.
- Use different herbs. Fresh basil and oregano would be delicious.
What to Serve with Chicken Mushroom Orzo
This is a meal that doesn’t necessarily need to be served with anything, however, my Caesar Salad or Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad would go well with it.
Lemon Parmesan Asparagus or Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower would also be easy and delicious side dishes to serve with the Parmesan orzo.
Storage and Reheating
Storage – Refrigerate the leftover chicken orzo in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating – You can reheat the leftovers in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. The leftover orzo will continue to absorb the sauce, so I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce when you reheat it.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish. The orzo will be overly soft and mushy once it’s been defrosted.
More One Pot Pasta Recipes
One pot pasta is the best! You don’t have to dirty an extra pot to cook the pasta or wait for the water to boil.
If you’re craving a family-friendly comfort food dinner, make my Creamy Chicken Noodle Skillet or this Pesto Orzo.
In the mood for Italian flavors? Make this Caprese Chicken Pasta or Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.
A personal favorite of mine is this Mediterranean inspired Greek Chicken Orzo.
Did you make this Parmesan chicken mushroom orzo skillet? I’d love if you’d leave a recipe rating and review below.
Parmesan Chicken Mushroom and Orzo Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms stems removed and sliced thin
- 1/3 cup minced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic grated or minced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the pieces of chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the olive oil to a 12 inch deep skillet or a pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat the bottom of the pan then dump the chicken in.
- Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes before flipping it over and continuing to cook it all the way through. Remove the cooked chicken onto a plate.
- Add a little more olive oil to the skillet then dump in the shallots, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the mushroom have started to soften.
- Pour in the wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Pour in the orzo, stir, and turn the heat down to medium-low.
- Simmer the orzo for 12 minutes or until it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You may need to add additional broth if it’s absorbed before the orzo is tender. Add it in a couple tablespoons at a time.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir in the chopped herbs and Parmesan cheese until everything is combined. Taste for seasoning.
- Top with extra parmesan cheese and herbs, then serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious as always! I added peas as you suggested and finished with a squeeze of lemon, because I love lemon in a recipe like this. A hit!
A little lemon always brightens up pasta! Thanks for making the orzo and leaving a review.