Cheesy Chicken Orzo

Cheese in pasta is a match made in culinary heaven. The ooey-gooey goodness of melted cheese adds a luscious creaminess to any pasta dish, elevating it to new levels of deliciousness. Whatever the dish, cheese brings a rich and indulgent flavour that perfectly complements the pasta's texture.

From sharp cheddar to velvety mozzarella, there's a cheese for every pasta dish, each offering its unique taste profile. The way the cheese melds with the warm pasta strands, creating a harmonious and comforting combination, is simply irresistible.

And this is a comforting and flavourful dish that combines the creaminess of cheese with the hearty goodness of chicken and orzo pasta. This dish is incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to option for busy weeknight dinners.

As the orzo absorbs the flavors of the chicken, the dish gets coated in a luscious cheese sauce that adds a delightful richness. The result is a satisfying and cheesy meal that will please any pasta fan!

Cook the pasta in salted water and save a cup of pasta water.

Remove the bones from the chicken thighs, then cut into smaller pieces.

On olive oil saute chopped onions and minced garlic for a few minutes, then add in the chicken.

Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and thyme and sear the chicken pieces on all sides.

Add in a tablespoon of butter, then stir in the flour until incorporated. Cook for a minute, then pour in the milk and pasta water, and simmer for a few minutes.

Stir in grated cheddar, chopped spinach and cooked pasta, then cook for a minute longer until creamy and combined.

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Cheesy Chicken Orzo

Yield: 2

Ingredients

• Risoni / orzo pasta - 170 g
• Chicken thighs - 300 g
• Onion - 1/2
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Milk - 150 ml
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Butter - 1 tablespoon
• All purpose flour - 1 + 1/2 tablespoon
• Cheddar - 60 g
• Spinach - 1 cup
• Thyme - 1/2 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water and save 200 ml of pasta water.
2. Remove the bones from the chicken thighs, then cut into smaller pieces.
3. On olive oil saute chopped onions and minced garlic for a few minutes, then add in the chicken.
4. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and thyme and sear the chicken pieces from all sides.
5. Add in a tablespoon of butter, then stir in the flour until incorporated. Cook for a minute, then pour in the milk and pasta water, and simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in grated cheddar, chopped spinach and cooked pasta, then cook for a minute longer until creamy and combined.