Quick Creamy Chicken Orzo with Broccoli

Published 5 months ago

This creamy chicken orzo with broccoli is a simple one-pan meal for busy days. Chicken, orzo and broccoli cook together in a garlicky Parmesan sauce with a little cream, making it cosy, filling and easy enough for dinner or meal prep.

Quick Creamy Chicken Orzo with Broccoli
category Fitness
meal type Dinner
difficulty Easy
Prep 10 mins
Cook 25 mins
Serves 4

Nutrition

  • Calories 621kcal 146kcal
  • Fat 29.8g 7.0g
  • Carbs 52.0g 12.2g
  • Proteins 39.1g 9.2g
  • Fibre 3.7g 0.9g

Ingredients

Spoon measurements may change based on how you scoop the ingredients.

For the most accurate results and nutrition info, it’s best to use grams.

tsp = teaspoon
tbsp = tablespoon

Method

Why I Like this Recipe

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients in one pan. It is creamy but still light, with lots of garlic and Parmesan flavour and fresh broccoli. I like that it is easy to make and there is not much to clean up.

Tips and Variations

  • Try wholewheat orzo if you want more fibre and slower energy.
  • You can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • Add spinach or peas if you want extra greens.
  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for more flavour.
  • Use reduced-fat Parmesan or Elmlea single cream if you want less dairy.
  • Add chilli flakes if you like it spicy.
  • Serve hot with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
  • It is good for meal prep and reheats well for lunch the next day.

Meal Storage

Keep leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the hob with a little water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, swap the chicken for tofu, lentils, or extra vegetables such as mushrooms or courgettes.
You can use regular double cream or a dairy-free alternative such as oat or soy cream.
Yes, small pasta shapes like risoni, macaroni, or mini shells work well too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add extra chicken, or stir in a spoonful of natural live yoghurt or cottage cheese before serving.
Keep stirring occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough broth in the pan.

Closing Note

This chicken and broccoli orzo is creamy, cheesy and full of flavour, while still feeling simple enough for a busy night. If you like easy orzo dinners, you might also enjoy chicken orzo with garden veg.

  • 💪 High Protein
  • 🚫 Not Freezer Friendly

Reviews

5 out of 5
Write review
Olivia
I've made this recipe twice. Once with orzo and once with macaroni. Both versions were very tasty. I highly recommend it.

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