Description

A comforting and easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a rich cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium preferred
1.5 cups Orzo Pasta
4 cups Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 ounces Cream Cheese, full-fat
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside
Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, stirring well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed
Stir in the broccoli florets, cover again, and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp
Remove the pot from heat, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and return the cooked chicken. Stir until all cheeses are melted
Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving

Notes

Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.

Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based proteins.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: unknown
Trans Fat: unknown
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 48g
Cholesterol: 140mg