One-Pan Chicken Cottage Cheese Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Seasoning: Season the chicken tenderloins evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika to infuse flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
