Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese all mixed with soft orzo pasta. It’s a quick, flavorful, and easy dish, ideal for busy weeknights or when you need something deliciously satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Everything: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked orzo and chicken back to the skillet, mixing well.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish!
Notes
- For a creamy and rich flavor, use full-fat milk or heavy cream.
- You can add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cheesy chicken, broccoli orzo, chicken orzo recipe, creamy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta, chicken broccoli recipe, family dinner recipe