Description
Discover a fast, comforting one‑pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo that blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and buttery orzo in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for busy families, this high‑protein dinner delivers balanced nutrition in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals, meal‑prep, or a satisfying comfort dish. The simple stovetop method ensures minimal cleanup while maximizing flavor, and the recipe scales easily for larger gatherings or leftovers. Enjoy this hearty dish now.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo, letting it toast lightly for about a minute, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, reduce heat to a gentle boil, and simmer for 12‑15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, stirring until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, then serve hot, optionally garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cheese. Use low‑sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Family Dinners
- Method: One‑pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one-pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo, easy chicken orzo recipe, one pot meals, cheesy chicken dinner, broccoli side dish, quick family dinner, high protein meals, weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food recipes