Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A Comforting Delight

The aroma of Chicken Broccoli Orzo wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, instantly making your mouth water. Picture tender, juicy chicken nestled among vibrant green broccoli and perfectly cooked orzo, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. chicken enchilada casserole.

Now, let me tell you about the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a chaotic Tuesday evening, and I was convinced dinner would end in disaster. Instead, there were smiles all around as they devoured every last bite of my Chicken Broccoli Orzo. chicken spaghetti for busy nights chicken and rice soup It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

I remember my sister’s eyebrows shooting up in delight when she took her first bite. “You should make this again,” she exclaimed between mouthfuls.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Look for vibrant green florets; they should be firm and fresh for the best crunch.

• Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; it’s key to the dish’s comfort factor.

• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; you can substitute half-and-half if you’re feeling light.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile; choose firm cloves for their aromatic punch.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese brings a salty kick; feel free to use freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that helps bring out all the flavors in this delightful medley.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces while keeping everything organized on your countertop.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Add Garlic and Broccoli: Once the chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes—until broccoli brightens in color.

Cook the Orzo Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to boil and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat under the skillet and pour in heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese. creamy chicken corn chowder Stir until melted and creamy perfection forms around your chicken and vegetables.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked orzo into the skillet with chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined and evenly coated in that luscious sauce.

And voilà! Dinner is ready to serve! Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Orzo while basking in compliments from family members who might even ask you to make it again next week! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun chicken pasta recipe recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a pan until golden. Add garlic, then cook orzo and broccoli together while making the creamy sauce. For more inspiration, check out this butter chicken recipe recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or try different cheeses for added flavor. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free orzo for healthier options.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Cooking Chicken Broccoli Orzo brings back fond memories of family gatherings where this dish was a highlight, eliciting smiles and compliments from everyone around the table.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Broccoli Orzo?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just add it during the last few minutes of cooking.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Creamy cheeses like cream cheese or mozzarella create a deliciously smooth sauce.

How long does it take to make Chicken Broccoli Orzo?

The entire process takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

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Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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• Author: Remy Berengar
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a heartwarming dish that brings family together with its delectable blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta. This comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy every bite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’ll be serving up smiles in no time!

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
3. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. In a separate pot, bring salted water to boil and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
5. Lower heat under the skillet and pour in heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Add cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing gently until everything is well combined.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg