Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet is a perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious. It combines tender grilled chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all cooked in one skillet. This meal is not just easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a comforting dish that everyone in the family will love!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Grill Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill until charred and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
- Sauté: In the same pan, add olive oil and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo, chicken broth, and cream. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Finish: Stir in parmesan, season to taste. Top with grilled chicken and garnish with parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet
Serve the creamy chicken orzo directly from the skillet. For a nice touch, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently as it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Feel free to customize it by adding other veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
Variation
You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different twist. You can also use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape, but cooking times may vary slightly.
2. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Certainly! You can use chicken breast without skin, low-fat cream, or even broth instead of heavy cream for a healthier version.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just keep in mind the texture may change once thawed and reheated.
Creamy Chicken Orzo Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, grilled and sliced Season with salt and pepper before grilling.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with low-fat cream for a lighter option.
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving if desired.
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill until charred and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
- In the same pan, add olive oil and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, and cream. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in parmesan, season to taste. Top with grilled chicken and garnish with parsley.