Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but with the right recipe, it can turn into an enjoyable experience filled with flavor and joy! Enter the Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet—a delightful dish that’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-easy to prepare. Picture this: tender chicken, al dente orzo, and crisp broccoli all mingling in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce that will have everyone at the dinner table clamoring for seconds. Not only is this meal quick to whip up (perfect for those busy weeknights), but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition.

Fun fact: did you know one of the secrets to making a great orzo dish is the type of broth you use? A homemade or even a good-quality store-bought broth can elevate your meal to culinary heights. This recipe is not just special for its taste; it’s also family-friendly and budget-friendly—just like another favorite on my blog, the One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta. So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious dinner that delights your taste buds, read on! You won’t want to miss trying this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet.

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet?
Have you ever wondered why some recipes get such wonderfully descriptive names? The Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet certainly earns its title, doesn’t it? This delightful dish combines juicy chicken with savory garlic and creamy Parmesan cheese, all tossed together with tender orzo pasta and bright green broccoli. It sounds fancy, but it’s really a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to say! And hey, if ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ you might just win over everyone at your dinner table with this recipe. Now that we’ve set the stage for deliciousness, let’s dive deeper into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet:
When it comes to comfort food, Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet reigns supreme! The ultimate highlight of this dish is the explosion of flavors—think creamy cheese, fragrant garlic, and tender chicken, making each bite a delectable treat. Plus, cooking at home saves you a ton compared to ordering takeout, all while ensuring the freshness of your ingredients. Not to mention, the addition of vibrant broccoli adds a health boost and a lovely crunch, elevating the traditional idea of a pasta dish.

If you enjoy this dish, you might also love my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta! Both recipes share a luscious creaminess and are loaded with flavor—but the chicken and orzo combo brings a comforting twist. So why not roll up your sleeves and start cooking? Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet:

Quick Overview

Creating this dish might just become your new culinary favorite! With a preparation time of around 30 minutes, you can easily bring together juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh broccoli in no time. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet!

Key Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

2. Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

3. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add orzo and stir well; cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.

4. Incorporate Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and allow them to steam in the broth mixture for about 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and tender.

5. Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet and combine everything until well mixed and heated through.

6. Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet With:
This delightful dish stands out on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your meal experience, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. You could even pair it with crusty garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast! A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon makes a refreshing complement to the flavors of this dish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet:
To make this recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips:

• Don’t skip on the fresh garlic; its flavor is irreplaceable!
• If you’re not a heavy cream fan, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Feel free to customize the veggies—spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can also be delightful additions!
• Make sure you taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper can make a significant difference in flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips:
If you have leftovers (which is a win!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will taste great for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in individual portions; it can keep for about 2-3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.

Now that you have everything you need to whip up a mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet, it’s time to get cooking! This meal is not only a treat to the taste buds but also a joyful journey you can share with your loved ones! Enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet

A creamy and savory one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo, and crisp broccoli tossed in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced Diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor
• 1 cup chicken broth Homemade or good-quality store-bought for best results
• 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Divided into two portions for mixing and topping
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the chicken
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped, for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Cooking

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Add orzo and stir well; cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
4. Add the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and allow them to steam in the broth mixture for about 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and tender.
5. Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet and combine everything until well mixed and heated through.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture.