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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Your New Cozy Comfort Food

Discover the comforting flavors of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, a creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Base
  • 1 cup orzo pasta can be substituted with small pasta shapes like ditalini or fusilli
  • 1 pound chicken breast can be replaced with shredded rotisserie chicken or omitted for a vegetarian version
  • 2 cups broccoli fresh or frozen, thawed properly
For the Creamy Mixture
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated for best melting
  • 1/2 cup cream can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative
For the Aromatics
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can use butter for richer taste
  • to taste salt for seasoning
  • to taste pepper for seasoning
  • to taste red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop the broccoli into small florets, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onion. Grate cheddar cheese and set everything aside in separate bowls.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and no longer pink.
  4. Add orzo, chopped broccoli, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the orzo is submerged in the broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the orzo is tender, reduce heat to low and stir in cream and grated cheddar until fully melted.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and be cautious not to overcook orzo.

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