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creamy chicken broccoli orzo in a skillet, with tender chicken chunks, golden orzo pasta, and bright green broccoli scooped up on a wooden spoon, glossy and homemade.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Creamy one-pot chicken broccoli orzo with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and golden pasta in a flavorful sauce. A comforting weeknight dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Chicken Base
  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Orzo & Vegetables
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets bite-sized
  • 3.5 cups chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet, brown chicken until cooked through, 6–8 minutes, remove and set aside.
  3. Add butter and garlic to skillet, sauté 30 seconds, stir in orzo to coat in garlic butter.
  4. Add chicken broth, bring to boil, reduce heat, cook 8 minutes stirring often.
  5. Stir in broccoli, cook 4–5 minutes until tender and orzo creamy.
  6. Add cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth, return chicken, combine and serve.