PF
Savor this creamy pasta dish topped with grilled chicken and cheese for a flavorful meal.
Stovetop~35 minComplexity

Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet delivers 48g protein and 942 calories per serving — a balanced one-pan dinner hitting both macro targets. Four servings cook from a single stovetop session, reducing prep fatigue while maintaining protein consistency. Built for anyone rotating meals through the week while training hard.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Paprika, Ground(5g)
  • Oregano, Dried(5g)
  • Thyme, Dried(5g)
  • Garlic powder(3g)
  • Onion powder(3g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper ($0.02)
  • Chicken Thigh, Boneless Skinless(567g)

    Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.

  • Vegetable oil(30g)
  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic(120g)
  • Pasta, Orzo, White, Dry(360g)
  • Vegetable Broth, Low Sodium(360g)
  • Cream, Heavy Whipping(120g)
  • Butter(30g)
  • Parmesan Cheese(60g)

    Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

Instructions

  1. 1Combine the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl and mix until combined.
  2. 2Blot the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.
  3. 3Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  4. 4Reduce heat to low, add the diced onion and minced fresh garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, stirring to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. 5Add the dry orzo and vegetable broth to the skillet, stir well to combine, then nestle the chicken thighs back into the mixture. Cover with a lid, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  6. 6Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
  7. 7Add the heavy whipping cream and salted butter to the skillet over low heat, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until the butter melts completely and the cream is hot. Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
  8. 8Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, stir gently to coat, then divide the entire mixture evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Refrigerate for storage.

Nutrition — Per Serving

942

calories

48g

protein

42g

fat

Carbohydrates
94g
Saturated fat
17.1g
Sodium
775 mg
Dietary fiber
7.0g

4 servings per batch · ~417g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet have per serving?

Each serving delivers 48g of protein and 942 calories with 42g fat and 94g carbs. This is a high-calorie, high-carb option with moderate protein relative to the total calorie load.

How long does Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet take to prep?

Quick prep time on the stovetop produces 4 servings in a single batch, making prep efficient despite the calorie density. One skillet meal yields four dinners.

Is Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet good for muscle gain?

At 942 calories and 48g protein per serving, this recipe suits muscle gain phases where you're running a significant caloric surplus. The high carbohydrate content (94g) supports energy for training and glycogen replenishment.

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