Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a one-pan, creamy, and cheesy dinner that combines tender chicken, bright broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo. Quick to make in 30 minutes, it’s a balanced, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 8 minutes.
5. Add broccoli, re-cover, and cook 4-5 minutes until tender.
6. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in milk, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
7. Serve immediately and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use a large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid for even cooking.
Do not overcook broccoli; add it late to retain color and texture.
Do not substitute water for chicken broth.
Protein alternatives: Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chickpeas.
Veggie alternatives: cauliflower, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese alternatives: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda.
Pasta alternatives: ditalini or small shells, adjust cook time accordingly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently with milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg