Description
This creamy chicken broccoli orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings together luscious flavors and wholesome ingredients in a simple skillet dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breast pieces evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Cook Orzo: In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the orzo until it is almost tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 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 gently until the sauce thickens and the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant green.
- Combine Chicken and Finish: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine the chicken with the creamy orzo and broccoli mixture. Allow the dish to heat through for an additional minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain a nice texture and vibrant color.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Optional: add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh tang.
