Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast, delicate orzo pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich blend of heavy cream and cheddar cheese come together to create a flavorful and creamy dish that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Add Orzo and Seasoning: Stir the orzo pasta and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the skillet with the chicken, coating the orzo with oil and seasoning for flavor.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, allowing the orzo to begin cooking.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the orzo absorbs the broth and softens.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to steam the broccoli until tender but still crisp.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely creating a creamy sauce.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference to balance the flavors.
- Serve Warm: Spoon the creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo onto plates and enjoy while hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen broccoli florets can also be used—add an extra minute or two while cooking.
- To add more depth of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Make sure the orzo is fully cooked but not mushy for the best texture.
