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Creamy Cacio e Pepe Orzo Risotto with Rosemary Chicken

Creamy Cacio e Pepe Orzo Risotto with Rosemary Chicken Delight

Delight in this easy Creamy Cacio e Pepe Orzo Risotto with Rosemary Chicken, perfect for weeknights and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Risotto
  • 2 cups Orzo can substitute with arborio rice
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock or vegetable broth for lighter flavor
  • ½ cup White Wine or chicken stock for a non-alcoholic option
  • 1 cup Cream or half and half for a lighter version
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated, or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil can substitute with butter
  • ½ Onion finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1½ tsp Black Pepper freshly ground for best flavor
  • Salt to taste
For the Rosemary Chicken
  • 4 Chicken Breasts thinly sliced or pounded
  • ½ tsp Paprika omit for a milder dish
  • 2 tsp Rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice fresh is ideal
  • ½ tsp Pepper to season chicken

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced rosemary, crushed garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slice chicken breasts and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes; then add white wine and reduce by half.
  3. Pour in chicken stock and cream, stirring well. Season and simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes, until orzo is creamy and al dente.
  4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. The risotto should be creamy and flavorful.
  5. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and cook marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve creamy risotto topped with chicken, garnished with lemon wedges and additional Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is versatile; feel free to substitute chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach.

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