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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and soft orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s hearty, balanced, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 medium onion, diced
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 cup orzo pasta
    2 cups chicken broth
    1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
    1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
    1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if preferred)
    1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove chicken and set aside.

  1. In the same pan, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and add broccoli florets (ensure frozen broccoli is thawed and drained if used). Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through. Add Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and use milk or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
  • For more vegetables, add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking for best texture.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the garlic.
  • This dish is also great with different pasta types like ditalini or fusilli, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-chicken-broccoli-orzo/