Description
This easy creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and broccoli orzo skillet is a weeknight superhero meal. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s fast, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Push chicken to one side or remove temporarily. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in orzo and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli florets. Stir into the orzo mixture. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and orzo is cooked.
- Stir cooked chicken back into the skillet. Turn off heat.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter until melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with optional fresh herbs.
Notes
- For substitutions, consider shrimp, sausage, or chickpeas for protein; peas, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for vegetables; mozzarella for extra cheese; or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking.
- Adjust liquid for orzo as needed.
- Grated Parmesan melts best.
- Prep ingredients ahead for faster cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skillet serving
- Calories: Approx. 550-650 kcal (will vary based on specific ingredients)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate (depending on broth)
- Fat: Moderate to High
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Low to Moderate
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Moderate