Creamy Garlic Butter Pepper Jack Chicken Orzo (Printable)

Tender chicken and orzo in a rich garlic butter sauce with melted Pepper Jack cheese and vibrant spinach for a satisfying 40-minute meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

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 uncooked orzo pasta
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 5 cloves garlic minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion finely chopped

→ Liquids & Creaminess

09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/3 cup heavy cream

→ Cheese & Finish

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 - Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, toasting lightly for 1 minute to develop nutty flavor. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Add spinach and Pepper Jack cheese, stirring continuously until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, 2–3 minutes.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one pan, including cooking the orzo right in the creamy sauce
  • The Pepper Jack adds just enough kick without overwhelming the rich, velvety base
02 -
  • The sauce will continue thickening as it sits off the heat, so don't worry if it looks slightly loose when you finish cooking
  • Pepper Jack brands vary in spice level, so taste your cheese before adding and adjust with red pepper flakes if needed
03 -
  • Use a large skillet with high sides to prevent bubbling over as the orzo expands
  • Grate your own Pepper Jack instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest melt

Return