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One-Pot Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo

A close-up of creamy Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo topped with fresh parsley in a white bowl.
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Cook tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta together in your Instant Pot for a fast, easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add olive oil. When hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Press Cancel.
  3. Add the cubed chicken, orzo, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir gently to combine, making sure the orzo is mostly submerged. Do not stir excessively after this point to prevent scorching.
  4. Secure the lid and set the vent to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure (Manual/Pressure Cook) for 5 minutes.
  5. When the cooking time is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting for a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
  8. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes off the heat to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • To prevent a ‘Burn’ notice, ensure the liquid covers the orzo and avoid stirring the mixture too much after adding the broth.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but adjust the cooking time to 7 minutes on High Pressure with a 5-minute NPR.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water during the final stirring step.

Nutrition

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