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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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.