Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 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; 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)

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

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.
Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
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.
Finish Dish: Stir in chicken, Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Add heavy cream if desired. Adjust seasoning.
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