Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo: A Complete Guide
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small bite-sized cubes); 1 teaspoon salt (divided, for chicken and orzo); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked); 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into small pieces); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a creamy one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small bite-sized cubes)

1 teaspoon salt (divided, for chicken and orzo)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)

3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into small pieces)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.

Cook the Orzo
Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Broccoli
Halfway through cooking, add broccoli florets. Continue until broccoli is tender and orzo is al dente.

Finish the Dish
Return chicken to skillet. Stir in cream, butter, and Parmesan. Mix until creamy. Add lemon juice if desired. Adjust seasoning.

Serve
Garnish with parsley. Serve hot from skillet.

Notes

Toasting the orzo enhances flavor.

Cut broccoli into small florets for even cooking.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results.

Adjust creaminess by using milk, half-and-half, or more cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan, Skillet
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Easy chicken and broccoli orzo, creamy chicken orzo, chicken broccoli skillet pasta, one-pan chicken pasta