🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet

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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and buttery orzo—this one-skillet meal is comfort food that still feels fresh and light. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Dietary Badges: One-Pan | High Protein | Family-Friendly | W-W-Modifiable

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper

→ Orzo & Sauce

  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter

→ Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Toast the Orzo
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  3. Simmer
    Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cooking uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Add Broccoli & Chicken
    Stir in broccoli and cooked chicken. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender.
  5. Make It Creamy
    Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve
    Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm.

Quick Tips

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
  • Toasting orzo adds a nutty flavor—don’t skip this step!
  • For W-W swaps, use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream.

💡 Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet is one of my all-time favorite one-pan dinners. It’s creamy, satisfying, and comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup. Orzo gives you the feel of risotto, but without all the stirring.

It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something cozy but still loaded with protein and veggies. Plus, it’s easy to lighten up with a few W-W-friendly swaps.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

🍗 Sauté the Chicken

Brown the chicken with garlic and Italian seasoning. This adds a golden, flavorful crust that seals in moisture.

🍚 Toast the Orzo

Toasting brings out orzo’s buttery notes. Just 2 minutes gives a restaurant-style finish!

🥦 Simmer & Stir

Cook the orzo in broth until tender, then toss in broccoli and chicken to finish the dish.

🧀 Finish with Cream & Cheese

Stir in Parmesan and cream for that silky, cheesy finish. Garnish with herbs for freshness.

Ingredient Insights & Swaps

  • Chicken: Breast or thigh—both work! For W-W, use chicken breast to reduce points.
  • Orzo: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly—whole wheat orzo adds extra fiber.
  • Broccoli: Fresh is best, but frozen is convenient—no need to thaw first.
  • Cream: Heavy cream for full flavor, or swap in half-and-half or light cream.
  • Parmesan: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Variations

  • 🍋 Add lemon zest for brightness.
  • 🧄 Double the garlic for an extra garlicky punch.
  • 🥓 Sprinkle with crispy bacon or pancetta for a savory crunch.

Dietary Tweaks

  • W-W-Friendly:
    • Use half-and-half or almond milk instead of heavy cream
    • Use light butter
    • Reduce Parmesan to ½ cup and add extra herbs for flavor
  • Vegetarian: Swap chicken for mushrooms or white beans.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
  • Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
  • Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Freezing

  • Not recommended—cream sauces don’t freeze well.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 4 total)

  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Fat: 28g
  • W-W Points (est.): 9–11 depending on swaps
  • Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

FAQs

Q: Can I use rice instead of orzo?
A: Orzo gives a risotto-like texture, but you can use cooked rice for a similar vibe—just reduce the broth.

Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! It reheats well, especially if you add a splash of broth when warming it up.

Q: What other vegetables can I use?
A: Try spinach, peas, or asparagus for variety.

🧡 Kristy’s Note

This skillet meal is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh. It’s creamy, cheesy, but still packed with protein and veggies. I love making it for my family because it’s quick, satisfying, and easy to tweak for a lighter, W-W-friendly lifestyle.

More One-Pan Wonders

  • Spinach & Artichoke Orzo Skillet
  • Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • W-W-Friendly Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice

💬 Let’s Talk Skillet Meals!

Tried this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet? Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @KristyCooksHealthy with #OrzoGlowUp—I can’t wait to see your skillet success!

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