Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken

Teleport to Rome with this Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken! Inspired by the classic comfort food pasta dish, this version is elevated into a full meal with the addition of sneaky veggies and tender chicken thighs. It comes together in just one pan, for under $10 total, and offers cheesy goodness and bold black pepper flavor in every bite!

The very first time I had cacio e pepe was in Rome circa 2019…so I’ve pretty much set myself up for failure ever since then. But alas, here I am trying to pretend I’m as qualified as the Romans. If you landed on this recipe, I’m assuming you already know what cacio e pepe is but if not…allow me to explain! This ancient Roman dish was popular among shepherds and directly translates to “cheese and pepper.” That pretty much sums it up…cacio e pepe is very simply made with pecorino, black pepper and pasta.

Now before anyone comes for me, I want to say that this Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken is NOT an authentic recipe! But, it is inspired by the delish Italian dish and features many of the same ingredients. Of course, I had to level up my version into a full, balanced meal by adding chicken and veggies. Now that’s my kind of comfort food!

Not only is this recipe really freaking delicious, but it’s also made all in one pan, is quick enough for weeknights and super budget-friendly, coming in at just $10 total! It’s simple in nature, but the parmesan cheese and the fresh cracked black pepper really carry the flavors here. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked and want to add it to the weekly rotation. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love this Cacio e Pepe Chicken and Orzo

• This is a one-pan meal that requires minimal effort!
• Inspired by the classic Italian Cacio e Pepe dish, this recipe is full of salty melted parmesan cheese & fresh cracked black pepper.
• It’s leveled up into a full meal with the addition of chicken thighs, cauliflower rice and spinach!
• You can easily make this gluten free, with one small swap.
• It satisfies the comfort food craving, while still being nourishing.

What You Need to Make this Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: To turn this cacio e pepe orzo into a full meal, we’re adding in some chicken thighs which are moist, juicy and affordable!
• Olive Oil: You’ll need 1 tbsp of olive or avocado oil for searing the chicken thighs.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Keeping it super simple with the seasonings for the chicken, and then adding in a bunch of black pepper to the orzo for the cacio e pepe vibes!
• Butter: Or feel free to substitute more olive oil.
• Orzo: Orzo is a small pasta shape that almost looks like rice. If you’re gluten free, you can try substituting a gluten free orzo such as this one from DeLallo.
• Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced always!
• Frozen Cauliflower Rice: This is optional, but an easy and nearly undetectable way to sneak in some more veggies and fiber. No need to thaw it beforehand.
• Chicken Broth: We’re cooking the orzo in chicken broth (or stock) for additional flavor. If you’re not making this as a $10 meal, you can certainly substitute chicken bone broth for more protein and nutrients.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is not a traditional ingredient in cacio e pepe, but it adds an unbeatable richness and creaminess. You could also substitute full-fat canned coconut milk if you have that on hand.
• Parmesan Cheese: You can’t have cacio e pepe without the cacio…AKA the cheese! PLEASE use freshly and finely grated parmesan, not the store-bought kind, because it won’t melt as well.
• Baby Spinach: Wilting in some spinach at the very end adds color and nutrients…who can complain about that!?

How To Make this Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken

Season & Sear the Chicken:

First, in a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle this spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub it in. Bring a large pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil. Then add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 4 minutes per side (they don’t have to be fully cooked through yet). Remove from pan and set aside.

Toast Orzo, Deglaze & Add Cauliflower Rice:

Next, reduce heat to medium and add butter (or oil). Once melted, add orzo and allow it to toast for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add in garlic and cook for 30 more seconds, until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Add in cauliflower rice and a bit more kosher salt. Stir.

Add Chicken Back, Bring to a Boil & then Simmer:

Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan. Allow it to come up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender. I like to flip the chicken at the halfway point to ensure it cooks evenly.

Stir in Cream, Parmesan, Pepper & Spinach:

Once the orzo is tender and chicken is done through, remove the chicken from the pan. Add in the heavy cream, parmesan and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted. Then, stir in the spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.

Garnish & Enjoy:

Finally, add chicken thighs back to the pan and optionally, garnish with even more freshly grated parmesan and black pepper. Enjoy!

Can I Make this Cacio e Pepe Orzo Gluten Free?

Although orzo looks very similar to rice, it’s actually pasta! Therefore, it’s not safe for those who are celiac or following a gluten free diet. Luckily, there are a few brands that carry a gluten free orzo that you can substitute in this recipe. I have heard great things about the DeLallo gluten free orzo. Jovial Foods also sells a gluten and grain free orzo made from cassava flour, but I do notice it’s prone to getting mushy. Let me know how it goes if you try a gluten free version!

Cost Breakdown for this Budget-Friendly Meal:

This Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken is the tenth and final recipe of my “10 days of $10 meals” series! This series is proof that you can eat nourishing, delicious meals while on a budget. Of course, grocery prices will vary based on your region and store shop at, as well as if you upgrade to organic/pasture-raised for anything…but I’ll leave my personal cost breakdown below! Please note, that pantry staples are NOT included in the $10.

TOTAL PRICE = $9.83 (or $2.46/serving)

How Should I Store Leftover Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken?

Allow the leftover cacio e pepe orzo with chicken to cool down and then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy it cold or microwave gently until warmed through!

Find the full recipe below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.

Looking for More Orzo Recipes?

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo
• Leftover Turkey Tuscan Orzo Skillet
• One-Pan Buffalo Chicken Orzo
• Creamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo

4.67 from 3 votes

Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken

Teleport to Rome with this Cacio e Pepe Orzo with Chicken! Inspired by the classic comfort food pasta dish, this version is elevated into a full meal with the addition of sneaky veggies and tender chicken thighs. It comes together in just one pan, for under $10 total, and offers cheesy goodness and bold black pepper flavor in every bite!

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Equipment

• cutting board
• knife
• large pan
• tongs
• large plate
• spatula
• cheese grater

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1-1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tbsp butter or more oil
• 1 cup dry orzo *
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 cups chicken broth or stock
• 8 oz frozen cauliflower rice (about 2 cups, optional)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1.5 oz freshly & finely grated parmesan cheese *
• 1 tsp black pepper + more to taste
• 3 oz baby spinach

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle this spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub it in.
  1-1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
• Bring a large pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil. Then add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 4 minutes per side (they don't have to be fully cooked through yet). Remove from pan and set aside.
  1 tbsp olive oil
• Reduce heat to medium and add butter (or oil). Once melted, add orzo and allow it to toast for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add in garlic and cook for 30 more seconds, until fragrant.
  ½ tbsp butter, 1 cup dry orzo, 3 garlic cloves
• Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Add in cauliflower rice and a bit more kosher salt. Stir.
  2 cups chicken broth or stock, 8 oz frozen cauliflower rice
• Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan. Allow it to come up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender. I like to flip the chicken at the halfway point to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Remove chicken from the pan. Add in the heavy cream, parmesan and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted. Then, stir in the spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.
  ¼ cup heavy cream, 1.5 oz freshly & finely grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp black pepper, 3 oz baby spinach
• Add chicken thighs back to the pan and optionally, garnish with even more freshly grated parmesan and black pepper. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

*NOTE: If you’re gluten free, I recommend trying this gluten free orzo from DeLallo Foods!

**NOTE: It’s best to measure out your parmesan by weight instead of volume for the most accurate results. I also HIGHLY recommend freshly grating your own parmesan, instead of buying it store-bought.

NUTRITION INFO: The nutrition info listed below is per serving, assuming that you use 1 lb of chicken thighs, and divide this amongst four servings.

Calories: 443kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: $10 Meal, Cacio e Pepe, Cauliflower Rice, Chicken Thighs, Heavy Cream, Hidden Veggies, Italian, One Pan, Orzo, Parmesan, Spinach

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1050mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2372IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @munchinwithmaddie_ on Instagram and/or hashtag it #munchinwithmaddie.