Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente orzo pasta in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a family favorite, and its simplicity ensures minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.

3. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish for some heat.

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.

• Additional Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, fresh broccoli provides a better texture and flavor in this dish.

Is orzo gluten-free?

No, orzo is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free option, consider using rice or gluten-free pasta.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the dish.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and use a plant-based milk instead of the chicken broth.

Can I freeze this meal?

While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks and ensure the heat is not too high to prevent overcooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer the dish uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.

Conclusion

The Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a delightful, one-pan meal that combines the richness of cheese with the heartiness of chicken and the freshness of broccoli. Its quick preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick family dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is a go-to for a hearty and satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups broccoli florets

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
3. Cook the Orzo: Add orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the Cheeses: Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, gouda, or Italian cheese blends for a new twist.
• Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more flavor and nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American