Creamy Orzo with Chicken and Zucchini

Orzo, though often overlooked, is a little gem in the pasta world. Also known as risoni in Italy, orzo is characterized by its rice-like shape, yet it retains the texture and taste typical of pasta.

This type of pasta is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and offers a versatility that makes it a favorite ingredient for chefs across the globe.

The origin of orzo

Orzo hails from the eastern Mediterranean and dates back to antiquity, when it was already cultivated by the Greeks and Romans. Its name comes from the Italian word for « barley, » which highlights its connection to this grain.

Traditionally used in soups and stews, orzo has seamlessly integrated into other regional cuisines over the centuries, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Why orzo is great

Orzo consists of small pasta pearls that cook quickly and readily absorb the flavors of sauces and broths. Its soft yet slightly firm texture makes it a popular choice for pasta dishes, salads, and even desserts.

When cooked al dente, it provides a delightful bite that sets it apart from other pasta varieties.

Its uses are varied:

In soup: Orzo is often added to soups to thicken and enhance texture. It pairs especially well with vegetable, chicken, or meat broths.

In salad: Cold or hot, orzo is perfect for salads due to its ability to absorb dressings and enhance fresh ingredients like grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, and cheeses.

As a side dish: Replacing rice or couscous, orzo can accompany main dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian fare, adding a delightful variation and texture.

Put orzo at the heart of your dish

And of course, orzo can shine as the main dish: mixed with creamy sauces, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and other delectable ingredients, it creates a complete culinary experience.

That’s where my recipe comes in! In my creamy orzo with chicken and zucchini, orzo takes center stage on the plate!

Cooking, a key element of this creamy orzo recipe with chicken and zucchini

We’ll cook it similarly to risotto, allowing it to absorb all the flavors from the other components of this dish: chicken, zucchini, onion, garlic, and even fresh thyme (from my garden!!).

This is definitely a dish that can be adapted year-round with seasonal vegetables.

Enjoy zucchinis from May to September

Zucchini are one of the essential vegetables as we welcome the beautiful days. Their peak season lasts from late spring through the height of summer, when they offer the best of their flavor and nutritional benefits. When harvested at maturity, they have a tender texture, a delicate taste, and a thinner skin, making them enjoyable to cook.

Composed mainly of water and rich in fiber and micronutrients, zucchini fit seamlessly into a light and refreshing summer diet. Eating them helps keep you hydrated while providing essential nutrients.

By choosing seasonal zucchini, you favor fresh produce, often locally sourced and available at more affordable prices. Their versatility in the kitchen allows for a variety of recipes: sautéed, grilled, au gratin, or even raw, offering an array of flavorful preparations.

The necessary utensils:

A cutting board,

One good paring knife,

A frying pan or sauté pan,

And one grater for garlic.

Other ideas just for you

If you enjoy comforting and flavorful dishes, I encourage you to explore more recipes. For example, if you appreciate stews rich in flavor, I highly recommend checking out my Royal-style lentils. This dish is a true explosion of flavors, perfect for cool evenings when you crave a delicious homemade meal.

And to stay within the « orzo » family, take a look at my orzo with chorizo, a delightful dish…

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. I love reading your feedback and learning how you customize my recipes at home. And above all, keep experimenting in the kitchen, as that’s how we discover new flavors and create wonderful culinary memories.

So here you go, I don’t think I need to say more. Shall we put on our aprons and make my creamy orzo with chicken and zucchini?

Let’s get started! Here’s the recipe, Chef!

Print Recipe

Creamy Orzo with Chicken and Zucchini

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Dinner – French

By Emma – Serves: 2 Difficulty: Simple Price: €

Prep Time: 10 min – Cooking Time: 20 min

A creamy orzo with chicken and zucchini where these small pasta pieces absorb all the flavors of onion, garlic, and thyme, for a comforting dish that is quick to prepare and easy to adapt all year round.

Ingredients

• 20 g of butter
• 2 chicken fillets
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 160 g of orzo pasta
• 2 small zucchinis
• 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• 10 cl of liquid cream
• A few basil leaves

Instructions

1

Heat 1/2 liter of water with the broth cube.

2

Melt the butter in a pan over medium/high heat.

3

Sear the chicken fillets until they are well golden and cooked through. Set aside.

4

Finely slice the onion and put it in the pan (the one used for the chicken unwashed, to have the cooking juices). Cook for 2-3 minutes.

5

Add the grated garlic and the zucchini cut into small cubes. Cook for 5 minutes.

6

Set aside the contents of the pan and pour the orzo into the pan.

7

Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.

8

Then cover with broth (you may not use all of the broth). Cook for 2 minutes.

9

Then add back the onions and zucchini cubes, add the thyme and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the pasta is done to your liking (add broth if necessary).

10

Add the chicken fillets. Let it sit for another minute on the heat on low.

11

Serve with basil leaves.

FAQ

Can you prepare creamy orzo with chicken and zucchini in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a little in advance and gently reheat it over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.

How to store leftovers of creamy orzo with chicken and zucchini?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat over low heat with a bit of liquid (broth or cream) to regain a creamy texture.

Can you freeze this chicken and zucchini orzo dish?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the orzo will be a bit softer when reheated; let it cool before packing it, then gently reheat, adding a bit of liquid if needed.

What equipment is essential for successfully making this creamy orzo recipe?

A large skillet or sauté pan, a cutting board, a good paring knife, and a grater for the garlic are sufficient to make the entire recipe.

How to achieve a creamy texture for the orzo?

Sauté the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes in the pan, then add the broth gradually as you would for a risotto, finishing with the cream, adjusting the amount of broth until you reach the texture you like.

How to know if the chicken is cooked properly in this recipe?

Sauté the chicken fillets over medium-high heat until they are nicely golden and cooked through, then set them aside; add them back at the end of cooking to warm them without drying them out.

Can you adapt the vegetables in this creamy orzo?

Yes, this risotto-style cooking is well-suited for variations: you can adapt with other seasonal vegetables while keeping the same cooking principle.

What to do if the orzo sticks to the bottom of the pan?

Lower the heat a bit, add some hot broth, and stir more frequently to loosen the bits without burning the orzo.

How to adjust the cooking of the orzo so it is neither too firm nor too soft?

Taste regularly towards the end of cooking and stop once the texture is to your liking, adding the broth gradually rather than all at once.