Description
Creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo recipe – an easy one pot dinner with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, orzo pasta, and rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: paprika, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken with salt and pepper until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the pot. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add broccoli and cook for 3–5 minutes until tender.
7. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
8. Adjust seasoning, rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.
- Swap chicken with turkey or chickpeas if desired.
- Orzo absorbs liquid, so adjust consistency as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg