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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo

A spoonful of creamy Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo being lifted from a bowl, showing rich sauce and orzo pasta.
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Make a rich, creamy chicken and orzo dish quickly using your Instant Pot. This one-pot meal is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add olive oil. When hot, add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  4. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Do not stir after this point to prevent sticking.
  5. Secure the lid and set the vent to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
  6. When the cooking cycle finishes, perform a Quick Release (QR) of the pressure.
  7. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use the Quick Release method to stop the cooking process immediately and prevent the orzo from becoming mushy.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after stirring in the cream, add a splash more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • For a cheesy variation, add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/instant-pot-creamy-chicken-and-orzo/