Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese with fluffy orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this delightful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Each bite offers a blend of rich flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and rinse the broccoli.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and broccoli; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo pasta and chicken broth; bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is al dente.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Experiment with various cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. You can also toss in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a colorful twist.