Discover the Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Imagine a cozy, one-pot meal that effortlessly combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness – that’s the beauty of One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo. This comforting dish is a weeknight wonder, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Grab your spoon and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
• 1-2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika

For the Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 heaping tbsp chicken bouillon + 2 1/2 cups water OR 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

For Creaminess:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Veggies:

In the same pot, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté carrots and onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add Orzo & Broth:

Stir in orzo and chicken bouillon with water (or chicken broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often.

Add Broccoli & Chicken:

Stir in broccoli and return chicken to the pot. Cook until broccoli is tender and orzo is al dente, about 4–5 more minutes.

Make it Creamy:

Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Serve:

Enjoy this One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo warm, straight from the pot for the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutritional Information

This hearty One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo packs a nutritional punch, with each serving providing a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Each portion contains approximately 550 calories, 40g of protein, 50g of carbs, and 25g of fat. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheeses makes it a well-rounded meal that can be easily incorporated into your weekly meal prep routine.

Variations of One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Vegetarian Option:

For a meatless version, simply omit the chicken and substitute with roasted or sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian dish.

Protein Substitutes:

If you prefer a different protein source, feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even cubed ham or turkey.

Flavor Variations:

Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or some fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy note.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience by pairing it with a fresh salad or some crusty garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a side of steamed asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I add the broccoli at the same time as the orzo or cook it separately?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to add the broccoli florets a few minutes after the orzo has started cooking. This allows the broccoli to become tender without overcooking the pasta.

What’s the best liquid-to-orzo ratio to prevent it from becoming mushy?

The ideal liquid-to-orzo ratio for this dish is 2.5 cups of liquid (chicken broth or water with bouillon) for every 1 cup of orzo. This ensures the orzo cooks through without becoming too soft or soggy.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping when stirring it into the hot pasta?

To prevent the cheese from clumping, it’s important to remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheddar and Parmesan. Gently stir the cheese into the hot pasta and vegetables, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese smoothly into the sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh and how does that affect cooking time?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets can be used as a convenient substitute. When using frozen broccoli, you may need to add it a minute or two earlier in the cooking process to ensure it has enough time to heat through and become tender.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken and Orzo Casserole
• One Pot Ranch Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Pasta
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

Conclusion

Forget about complicated, time-consuming meals – One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. With its irresistible blend of tender chicken, al dente orzo, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Grab your fork and dive into the comforting, flavor-packed goodness of this one-pot wonder. Enjoy!

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