Creamy Garlic Butter Pepper Jack Chicken Orzo (Printable)
Tender chicken and creamy orzo simmer with spinach in a rich garlic butter sauce spiked with spicy Pepper Jack cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Seasoning
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 teaspoon paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Orzo & Aromatics
05 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
→ Liquids & Cream Base
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
→ Cheese & Garnish
12 - 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
13 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Toss cubed chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in uncooked orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and whole milk, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and reserved cooked chicken. Add chopped spinach and Pepper Jack cheese; continue stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, 2–3 minutes.
08 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
- Pepper Jack creates this incredible creamy sauce with just enough subtle heat
02 -
- The orzo continues thickening as it sits, so do not worry if the sauce seems loose at first
- Pepper Jack heat levels vary, so taste as you go and add red pepper flakes if you want more kick
03 -
- Grate your own Pepper Jack instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest melting
- Keep the heat at medium once you add the dairy to prevent separating