Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Protein; 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes; Vegetables; 2 cups broccoli florets (200 g); 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Orzo Base; 1 ½ cups (285 g) uncooked orzo pasta; 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; Creaminess & Flavor; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; Seasoning; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Freshness & Garnish; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan for serving

Description

A creamy, comforting one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets (200 g)

1 small onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

Orzo Base

1 ½ cups (285 g) uncooked orzo pasta

3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

Creaminess & Flavor

½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning

1 tsp dried Italian herbs

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Freshness & Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes until golden. Remove and keep warm.

Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining butter, onion, and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes.

Toast Orzo: Stir in orzo. Cook 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.

Simmer: Add chicken broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring.

Add Broccoli: Stir in florets during the last 4 minutes of cooking.

Make Creamy: Stir in cream and Parmesan. Return chicken to skillet. Mix well.

Finish: Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Add broccoli near the end to keep it bright and slightly crisp.

Toasting orzo enhances flavor and prevents mushiness.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest result.

Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner / Pasta
Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: easy chicken and broccoli orzo, creamy chicken orzo pasta, one-pot chicken broccoli pasta, weeknight chicken orzo recipe