Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and the best part? It all comes together in one skillet for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup milk

2 cups broccoli florets

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I add the chopped onion and minced garlic. I sauté them for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Next, I add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This gives the orzo a nice nutty flavor.

I pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring everything to combine. I bring it to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

I add the broccoli florets, cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. I stir everything together until the cheese has melted and the broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Lastly, I season the dish with salt and pepper to taste and serve it hot.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, I can swap out the chicken for additional broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Add Some Spice: If I like a little heat, I can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mix.

Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, I could use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. It can also be reheated in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! While orzo is great for this dish, I could substitute it with other small pasta shapes, like penne, shells, or farfalle. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the pasta, so be sure to check for doneness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a bit of heat, I could stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño while cooking the onion and garlic. This would give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavor.

Can I freeze this meal?

Yes, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of extra milk to keep it creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I can prep everything ahead of time by chopping the chicken, broccoli, and onion and storing them separately in the fridge. When I’m ready to cook, it will only take 20-30 minutes to pull it all together.

How do I make this dish less creamy?

If I prefer a lighter version, I can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat milk. I could also replace some of the milk with extra chicken broth for a more broth-based sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings comfort to the dinner table without all the hassle. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights and flavorful enough to feel like a special meal.

Recipe:

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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Print Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate one-pot meal, combining juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and nutrition, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and flavorful. Plus, it all cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring everything to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the broccoli florets, cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.