Description
A quick, creamy one‑pot dinner featuring chicken, broccoli, orzo, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless
- skinless chicken breast
- diced into 1‑inch cubes
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.,Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for 5‑6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.,Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and milk.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 8‑10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has thickened.,While the orzo cooks, steam the broccoli florets in a separate pot for 3‑4 minutes, or until just tender.
- Drain and set aside.,When the orzo is tender, fold the cooked broccoli into the skillet.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan over the top, stirring until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce that coats every bite.,Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes off the heat to allow the sauce to thicken further.,Spoon the one‑pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo into bowls, garnish with a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition is approximate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo, one pot chicken orzo, cheesy broccoli orzo, quick chicken dinner, one pot meals, creamy chicken orzo