This chicken and orzo dish combines Italian-inspired flavours with the convenience of single-pan cooking. Orzo, the small rice-shaped pasta, creates a wonderful base that absorbs the rich flavours of chicken, pancetta and mushrooms as it cooks.

The cooking process is straightforward but clever. By building layers of flavour in the same pan (first crisping the pancetta, then browning the chicken, sautéing mushrooms, and finally simmering the orzo in stock), you create depth without complexity. The double cream added at the end transforms everything into a silky, cohesive dish.

What makes this recipe particularly useful is its practicality. The ingredients list isn’t fancy or intimidating, featuring items that are likely already in your cupboard or easy to find at any local shop. The preparation doesn’t require any special techniques or equipment—just a decent pan with a lid.

The resulting dish sits somewhere between a pasta meal and a risotto, with the orzo providing a pleasing texture that’s neither too heavy nor too light. The combination of tender chicken pieces, savoury pancetta and earthy mushrooms gives each mouthful a good balance of flavours and textures.

This is the sort of cooking that works well for everyday meals. It’s filling enough to satisfy hungry appetites but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. The leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day, with the flavours often developing further overnight.

The final touch of fresh parsley brightens the dish, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a sharp, savoury note that complements the creamy sauce. Serve it on its own for a complete meal, or alongside a simple green vegetable for extra balance.