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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Creamy One-Pot Comfort Food

Enjoy a quick and delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo that brings the comfort of home in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Base
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli fresh or frozen, cut into small florets
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup cream or half-and-half
  • to taste seasonings (salt, pepper, optional red pepper flakes)
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup mushrooms sautéed
  • 1 cup spinach fresh

Equipment

  • large pot or skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cut the broccoli into small florets if using fresh.
  2. In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Next, stir in the broccoli florets and the orzo pasta into the pot with the cooked chicken. Pour in enough chicken broth or water to cover the pasta completely (about 3 cups).
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese and cream or half-and-half. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts.
  6. Serve your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo immediately while it's warm and creamy, garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cubed tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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