Description
This creamy chicken broccoli orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and orzo pasta cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in a luscious, creamy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Cook Orzo: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until the orzo is almost tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Cream Sauce: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet with the orzo. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and broccoli is tender.
- Combine Chicken and Garnish: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the creamy orzo and broccoli. Toss gently to combine everything evenly and heat through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier texture.
- If you want a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream to 1/4 cup or replace it with half-and-half.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
