Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a delightful one-skillet meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheeses enveloped in soft orzo pasta, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Not only is it quick to prepare in about 30 minutes, but its rich flavors will delight both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and orzo; toast for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped chicken and broccoli; mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or cracked black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider toasting the orzo slightly more before adding liquids. Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variety. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.