Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy

Welcome to a culinary adventure that combines creamy textures, delightful flavors, and the ease of one-pan cooking! Today, we’re diving into the world of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente orzo enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Not only does this dish deliver on taste, but it also packs a nutritional punch. With protein from the chicken, vitamins from the broccoli, and the satisfying carbs from orzo, you can feel good about serving this meal to your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights that make this dish a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: With just one pan and under 30 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
• Deliciously Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite, ensuring a rich flavor experience.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, vibrant broccoli, and wholesome orzo, this dish provides a balanced meal your family will love.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the cheese for your preferred variety.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

In addition to these benefits, this recipe also allows for creativity. You can easily adapt it to fit different dietary needs or preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta. Looking for a vegetarian option? Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters, then Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy is the answer. Here’s why you should try making it:

• Family Favorite: Kids adore cheesy pasta dishes, and the addition of chicken and broccoli makes this a wholesome option for dinner.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Cost-Effective: With budget-friendly ingredients, this meal is light on your wallet while still delivering on taste and satisfaction.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the broccoli and cheese sauce make for an eye-catching dish that will impress your family and guests alike.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that warms the soul and makes you feel at home.

In essence, this recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious. What more could you ask for? Let’s dive into the ingredients and utensils you’ll need to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you begin cooking, gather the following ingredients and utensils to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recommended Tools or Utensils

• Large skillet or saucepan – for cooking all the ingredients in one pan.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure all your ingredients.
• Chopping board and knife – for dicing the chicken, onion, and garlic.
• Serving spoon – for plating and serving your creamy dish.

Once you have all your ingredients and tools ready, you’re set for a delightful cooking experience with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy. Now, let’s jump into the detailed steps for preparing this delicious meal.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly creamy and cheesy:

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Broccoli and Orzo: Stir in the broccoli florets and uncooked orzo pasta. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo!

Cooking tips:

• Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the cheese.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experience by leaving a comment below! If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to share it on your social media and try other wonderful dishes from our blog.

For more delicious recipes and meal ideas, check out these great options: Explore more recipes, High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce, and Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and One-Pan Easy

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish made in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Wooden Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced Approximately 450g
• 1 cup Uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups Broccoli florets
• 1 Medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the broccoli florets and uncooked orzo pasta. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
• Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
• Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
• Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo!

Notes

You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese. For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.

Keyword comfort food, delicious, easy, one-pan, quick