Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta all smothered in melted cheddar cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional Garnishes: Extra shredded cheese
• Optional Garnishes: Crushed red pepper for spice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the garlic and oil, and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is creamy.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier dish, use whole milk or substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy flavor.
• Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but you can omit them for a milder dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it at the same step and cook a little longer if needed until tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, tender broccoli florets, and orzo pasta cooked together in a flavorful garlic, broth, and milk sauce. Enriched with melted cheddar cheese and seasoned with paprika and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese
• Crushed red pepper for spice

Instructions

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for cooking the chicken.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly in the garlic and oil. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta.
5. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid begins to thicken.
6. Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green and the orzo is creamy.
7. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it fully melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
8. Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the orzo and broccoli. Stir to combine everything evenly.
9. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheese on top before serving the dish warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use 2% milk or a lower fat cheese.
• You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of heat according to your preference.
• Orzo can stick to the pan as it cooks; stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, Chicken Orzo recipe, Creamy Orzo pasta, one-pan dinner, quick chicken dinner, broccoli pasta skillet