Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and orzo pasta smothered in sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy families, this quick-to-make dish offers a savory and wholesome balance of flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh (or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk or cream
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth, warm
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs such as parsley, chives, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil or butter over medium heat until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent to develop the savory flavor base.
- Add broccoli and orzo: Toss in fresh broccoli florets and orzo pasta, stirring to combine with the aromatics and allowing the broccoli to become tender-crisp during cooking.
- Pour in liquids: Add warm chicken broth and milk or cream, stirring occasionally while the orzo absorbs the liquid and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add cheese and chicken: Once the orzo is tender, stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and gooey, then return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything until warmed through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Do not overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the orzo and turning the dish mushy.
- Use warm broth and milk to ensure even cooking of the orzo.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—add it earlier and drain excess water.
- Orzo can be substituted with small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Vegetarian option: omit chicken and add extra veggies or plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: Thirty g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg