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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo

Close-up of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo served in a white bowl on a marble surface.
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Make a satisfying, 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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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup 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, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir briefly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Do not stir after adding the orzo to prevent sticking.
  5. Secure the lid and set the vent to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes.
  6. When the cooking time is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a Quick Release (QR) for any remaining pressure.
  7. Open the lid. Stir the mixture well. The liquid will look thin.
  8. Set the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function (Low). Add the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For best results, do not stir the orzo before sealing the lid; this helps prevent the ‘Burn’ notice.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the dairy, add a splash more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired creaminess.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but adjust the cooking time to 6 minutes on High pressure with a 5-minute NPR.

Nutrition

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