Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a simple, delicious, and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, providing a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience – Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and satisfying orzo.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
- Creamy & Comforting – A light yet satisfying meal with a creamy texture without heavy cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Orzo pasta
- Broccoli florets
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté diced chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo – Add the orzo to the pan and toast for a minute to enhance its flavor.
- Simmer with Broth – Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli – Stir in broccoli florets and cook until tender.
- Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, and cook until everything is heated through.
- Finish with Parmesan & Lemon – Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, creamy finish.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it Creamier – Add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it straight to the pan without thawing; it will cook quickly.
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use rice, quinoa, or small pasta like couscous as an alternative.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in at the end for an even quicker meal.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and ensure there’s enough broth to keep it from drying out.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and makes a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but broth adds more flavor, so consider seasoning the dish more if using water.
What protein can I use besides chicken?
Turkey, shrimp, or even sausage would work well in this dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make it extra flavorful?
Try adding a splash of white wine, fresh herbs, or a bit of garlic butter for extra depth.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, satisfying, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy texture, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner or a meal-prep option, this dish has you covered!
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Guinness Pot Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Irish, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Guinness Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful Guinness-infused gravy are topped with a flaky, golden-brown puff pastry crust. It’s a perfect dish for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
For the Topping:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables – In the same pan, add the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute.
- Make the Gravy – Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Slowly pour in the Guinness, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Simmer – Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, and cover. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. Stir in the frozen peas and butter at the end. Remove the bay leaf.
- Preheat Oven – While the filling simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the Pie – Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish or individual ramekins. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place it over the filling. Trim excess and crimp the edges. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake – Place the pot pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Want a shortcut? Use store-bought pie dough instead of puff pastry.
- For a deeper flavor, let the beef simmer longer before baking.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping beef for mushrooms and using vegetable broth.
- Add potatoes for an extra hearty version.
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