Creamy Orzo with Chicken, Mushrooms and Red Peppers

If you can't tell from most of the posts (and our waistlines), we are more bakers than cooks. However, this recipe makes me feel like a gourmet chef and it is SOOOO yummy!

Creamy Orzo with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Red Peppers
(recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe)

1 Tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts - cut into small chunks
2 red bell peppers
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound orzo pasta
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
juice from one lemon, squeezed

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo and cook as directed on package. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain orzo and set aside.

While orzo cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to oil and brown.

When nicely browned (not cooked) add peppers, mushrooms, and thyme. Stir and cook for 5 minutes - until most of liquid has evaporated.

Add garlic until fragrant (approx. 1 min)

Add cream cheese and coat well.

Add reserve pasta water and bring to simmer. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir.

Add orzo, Parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley.

Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve and enjoy.