Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese enveloped in perfectly cooked orzo. This delicious meal is not only quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy each bite of this warm, flavorful hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and rinse broccoli under cold water.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and broccoli: Lower heat slightly; add minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté until broccoli is bright green and garlic is fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Cook the orzo: Stir in orzo and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo absorbs most liquid (10-12 minutes).
- Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot: Dish out into bowls while steaming; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg