Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy cheddar cheese with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that balances protein, vegetables, and carbs with a rich, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Begin by boiling the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, warming it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken, cooking until they become tender yet still vibrant in color, around 3-4 minutes.
- Add liquids and mix: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine everything. Then, add the cooked orzo pasta back into the skillet and mix thoroughly so the flavors blend evenly.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the dish: Season the orzo, chicken, and broccoli mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences, stirring well to distribute the spices.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo warm for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference; fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
- To make it low-fat, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
