Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe – Quick One-Pan Dinner

Weeknight dinners call for meals that are quick, nutritious, and satisfying. Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo delivers all three. This one-pan dish combines juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli in a light yet flavorful sauce. It’s creamy without being heavy, hearty without being complicated, and ready in under 35 minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, absorbs flavors beautifully, while broccoli adds freshness and nutrition. With simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a wholesome meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a busy evening.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 servings.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Orzo and Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) orzo pasta

• 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in the orzo pasta. Toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo and Broccoli

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add broccoli florets halfway through cooking so they become tender-crisp by the time the orzo is done.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Once orzo is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in cooked chicken.

2. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until creamy.

3. If desired, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.

4. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

2. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not ideal, as orzo can become mushy. If freezing, use within 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave individual portions if preferred.

Variations

1. Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or leftover rotisserie chicken.

2. Vegetable Add-Ins: Add peas, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

3. Cheese Choices: Replace Parmesan with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

4. Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

5. Herb Boost: Fresh basil, dill, or thyme can elevate the dish with aromatic freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.

• Pair with a crisp side salad for balance.

• Add roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra color and nutrition.

• Complement with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Conclusion

The Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. With juicy chicken, tender orzo, and vibrant broccoli, every bite delivers comfort and balance.

This recipe adapts easily to your tastes, whether you prefer creamy textures, extra veggies, or different proteins. It works well for weeknight meals, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Quick, versatile, and delicious, this dish proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

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• Author: Eleanor
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and wholesome one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli. This easy weeknight dinner is ready in under 35 minutes, packed with flavor, and perfect for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

See also  Ultimate Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Chicken Sausage: A Flavorful Southern Dish

For the Orzo and Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) orzo pasta

• 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.

3. Cook Orzo and Broccoli: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broccoli halfway through cooking.

4. Finish Dish: Stir in chicken, Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Add heavy cream if desired. Adjust seasoning.

5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

• Add red pepper flakes for spice.

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

• Substitute broccoli with spinach, zucchini, or peas.

• Stir in cream cheese for a richer texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

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