Description
This creamy Mediterranean chicken orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken breasts with al dente orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken broth, enriched with heavy cream, fresh broccoli florets, garlic, and finished with tangy lemon juice and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts
Produce
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (from half a lemon)
Pantry
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing chicken)
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add more olive oil if the skillet is dry, and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Toast the orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo appears slightly translucent.
- Simmer orzo in broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the orzo. Bring the mixture to a simmer uncovered and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is al dente.
- Add cream and broccoli: Stir in the heavy cream and broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the orzo becomes creamy.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the lid and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Reheat chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Heat through for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld and chicken warms up.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo pasta in bowls, distributing chicken and broccoli evenly. Serve immediately for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (added off heat).
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhances flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain a nice texture.
