One-Pan Chicken Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Chicken Cottage Cheese Orzo is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and vibrant broccoli rabe come together in a single skillet for a flavorful and comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 1.1 pounds chicken tenderloin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 ½ cups orzo
• 7 ounces broccoli rabe (chopped)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 7 ounces cottage cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
• 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
• Chili flakes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo, chopped broccoli rabe, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir and simmer uncovered over low heat for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir often to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cottage cheese and lemon juice. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 3 minutes to warm through. Finish with chopped parsley and chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt along with the cottage cheese.
• If broccoli rabe is unavailable, substitute with baby spinach or kale for a similar green vegetable flavor.
• Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like chickpeas for added substance.

One-Pan Chicken Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

A delicious, hearty one-pan meal featuring tender chicken tenderloins cooked with creamy cottage cheese, tender orzo pasta, and nutritious broccoli rabe. This recipe brings together savory spices, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1.1 pounds chicken tenderloin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 7 ounces broccoli rabe, chopped

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups orzo
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 7 ounces cottage cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Chili flakes, for topping

Instructions

1. Seasoning: Season the chicken tenderloins evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika to infuse flavor.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Cooking Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Simmering with Orzo and Broccoli Rabe: Roughly chop the broccoli rabe. Add orzo, chopped broccoli rabe, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and simmer uncovered on low heat for about 10 minutes until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
5. Stirring in Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in cottage cheese and lemon juice into the orzo mixture. If using, add grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Finishing: Return the seared chicken tenderloins to the skillet and simmer for an additional 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and chili flakes before serving immediately. Enjoy your wholesome one-pan chicken cottage cheese orzo!

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• You can substitute broccoli rabe with kale or spinach if unavailable.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami flavor.
• Stir frequently during orzo cooking to avoid burning on the bottom.
• For a spicy kick, adjust the amount of chili flakes to taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one-pan meal, chicken tenderloin, cottage cheese, orzo, broccoli rabe, easy dinner, quick meal, healthy chicken recipe