Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish In this recipe, we use simple, wholesome ingredients. The orzo pasta cooks quickly and gives a nice texture. The chicken broth adds depth to the dish and keeps it moist. Shredded chicken makes it hearty, while broccoli adds color and nutrition. The heavy cream turns this meal into a creamy delight. Garlic and onion powders boost flavor, and red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. You can adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. Olive oil helps sauté the broccoli and adds richness. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese gives a savory finish. Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds a fresh touch. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty one-pot meal that is both comforting and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package directions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be tender but not mushy. While the orzo cooks, take a skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Next, add 1 cup of broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to turn bright green and become slightly tender. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded chicken. Stir it well so the chicken warms up. Once the orzo is cooked, drain it carefully. Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Now, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until well combined. Let it simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the sauce creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and gives a rich flavor. Enjoy your meal! To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. The cream thickens as it cooks. You can also add extra cheese. Parmesan cheese melts well and adds great flavor. If you need substitutions, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free option. You can swap orzo for rice or quinoa if you prefer. Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in deep bowls. It looks great drizzled with cream and topped with extra cheese. Add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. For a fun twist, serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. This adds crunch and balance to the meal. You can also use a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. Flavor Boost: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet when sautéing the broccoli. Make It Cheesy: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to give the dish a unique twist. Storage Tips: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. {{image_2}} You can change the proteins in Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo easily. Shrimp adds a nice touch. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Both add unique flavors and textures. You can also mix in different veggies. Bell peppers give the dish a crunchy bite. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Feel free to use whatever veggies you love. Just remember to cook them until tender. Changing the cheese can bring new life to this meal. Try using sharp cheddar for a stronger taste. Cream cheese can make it extra rich and creamy. Each type of cheese brings its own fun flavor. Adding herbs and spices can enhance the taste. Fresh basil or thyme adds a bright note. A pinch of lemon zest can wake up the flavors. Don't be afraid to get creative with what you have at home. To store your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label it with the date. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to two months. Just remember, freezing may change the texture a bit. When reheating, you want to keep it creamy. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. This helps maintain the rich texture. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid drying out. Reheat in short bursts, stirring often. Enjoy your meal warm and creamy! What can I use instead of orzo? If you can't find orzo, try using small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Rice or quinoa also works well if you want a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking time based on what you choose. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. What goes well with Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo? Serve this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread. A light vinaigrette adds a fresh touch. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for extra color and flavor. You learned how to make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo with simple ingredients and steps. This dish is tasty and easy to customize. You can use different proteins or veggies for variety. Remember, storing leftovers correctly helps keep the flavors fresh. Enjoy this dish with your family or friends. Try the tips for a creamy texture and great presentation. You'll impress everyone at your dinner table. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A delicious and creamy dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and broccoli.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup broccoli florets
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
While the orzo is cooking, in a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with broccoli, mixing everything together.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli.
Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, drizzled with a little extra cream and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for visual appeal.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, creamy, orzo, pasta