Creamy Chicken Orzo with Broccoli Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Broccoli is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, tender-crisp broccoli, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken broth and milk or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets into the skillet with the orzo. Cover again and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and paprika if using. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy meal fresh off the stove for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- You can use other vegetables like peas or spinach if you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken orzo recipe, creamy chicken pasta, broccoli orzo, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan meals
