Creamy Orzo And Chicken Recipes

CREAMY ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.

CREAMY ORZO WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• While pasta is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook chicken, mushrooms, onions and garlic in margarine about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center.
• Stir in flour, thyme and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese until melted.
• Pour chicken mixture over pasta; toss if desired.