Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
A quick and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy melted cheese combine with orzo pasta in a one-pan skillet meal that cooks in just 30 minutes.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add Broccoli and Simmer: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still bright green.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo into bowls and serve warm immediately for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use either cheddar or mozzarella cheese based on your flavor preference.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Covering the skillet during cooking helps the orzo cook evenly and the broccoli to steam perfectly.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and less olive oil.
Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, one-pan meal, quick chicken dinner, creamy orzo recipe, weeknight dinner