Creamy One-Pan Orzo with Chicken and Peppers

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized strips)
• 500 g red pointed peppers (source states 500–600 g; halved, deseeded, and cut into strips)
• 1 onion (peeled and finely diced)
• 2 Zehen garlic (peeled and finely diced)
• 400 g orzo (kritharaki/risoni)
• 700 ml chicken stock
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 100 ml milk
• 2 EL tomato paste
• 2 TL sweet paprika
• 1 TL hot paprika
• 2 TL Italian herbs
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• 0.5 Bund parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 EL oil
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Finely chop the parsley and set aside.

2. 2

   Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Halve and deseed the pointed peppers, then cut them into strips as well.

3. 3

   Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic.

4. 4

   Heat the oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.

5. 5

   Add the chicken and sear on all sides.

6. 6

   Season with salt, pepper, sweet and hot paprika, and the Italian herbs.

7. 7

   Add the pepper strips and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in the tomato paste and briefly toast it. It should develop roasted flavors but should not become too dark.

9. 9

   Add the orzo and briefly toast it as well.

10. 10

    Deglaze with the chicken stock, heavy cream, and milk. Stir everything well.

11. 11

    Simmer over medium heat for about 12–15 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through.

12. 12

    Stir regularly while simmering to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If necessary, add a little extra stock or water.

13. 13

    Stir in the Parmesan and let it melt into the hot sauce.

14. 14

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

15. 15

    Sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

The chicken can remain in the pan after searing and continue cooking in the liquid. Alternatively, it can be removed briefly and folded back in before serving. Stir in the Parmesan only at the end so the sauce stays creamy and does not clump. Stir the orzo regularly; add extra stock or water if needed.

Nutrition per serving

• Main course
• One-pot
• Skillet dish
• Family meal
• Creamy
• With chicken
• With pasta