Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
A creamy, cheesy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, nutritious broccoli florets, and buttery orzo pasta, all cooked together in chicken broth and finished with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook with broccoli: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still crisp.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it is fully melted and integrated into the dish, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo onto plates and serve warm for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use broth with reduced sodium and adjust salt accordingly.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for varied taste.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly cut for uniform cooking.
- Covering the skillet while cooking helps steam the broccoli, keeping it tender yet crisp.
- Optional: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat kick.
Keywords: cheesy chicken, broccoli orzo, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, creamy orzo, weeknight dinner
