08/21/2025
🍗 Creamy Dreamy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Bowl 🥦✨
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~520 (comfort food level)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Creamy Orzo Pasta 🍜
1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 8 oz)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets 🥦
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
For the Juicy Chicken 🍗
1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
Cook Orzo & Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken:
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant (2–3 minutes). Pour in cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Everything:
Add drained orzo and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Fold in the cooked chicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
💡 Notes & Variations
Add lemon zest for a citrusy pop 🍋
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
Swap cream with coconut milk for dairy-free 🥥
