Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

This chicken and broccoli orzo is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both comforting and practical. Tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and small pasta cooked right in the pan come together in a light, savory sauce that feels hearty without being heavy.

It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something filling but still fresh and balanced. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers big flavor with very little cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe is straightforward and easy to find, making it perfect for a no-stress dinner.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the skillet and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it lightly for a minute.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
7. Add the broccoli florets and return the chicken to the skillet.
8. Continue cooking until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is fully cooked.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Cooking Tips, Variations & Storage

• Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
• Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking as it cooks.
• Add a splash of broth if the pan looks dry before the orzo is fully tender.
• Finish with extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little added broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it straight from the freezer and cook just until heated through.

What can I substitute for orzo?
Other small pasta shapes can work, but cooking time and liquid amounts may need adjustment.

Can this be made ahead of time?
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers reheat nicely for lunches or quick dinners.

How do I keep the orzo from becoming mushy?
Cook just until tender and remove from heat promptly, as orzo continues to s

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

A creamy and satisfying one‑pot dinner of tender chicken, orzo pasta, and bright broccoli florets tossed in a cheesy sauce — perfect for weeknights!

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Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings:4 servings

Calories:450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk/half‑and‑half
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus extra for topping
• to taste salt and pepper

Method

 

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli so it cooks with the pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
3. Add the cooked orzo and broccoli to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Add the cooked chicken and gently fold it into the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

This version uses cooked chicken and a simple creamy sauce with Parmesan cheese. You can swap in rotisserie chicken, add herbs like parsley or lemon zest for brightness, or use milk/half‑and‑half instead of cream. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Typical creamy chicken broccoli orzo comes together in about 20–30 minutes.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}