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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and buttery orzo pasta, all smothered in a rich, gooey cheese sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 475
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet A deep sauté pan or skillet with a lid is essential to hold the pasta and liquid as it simmers.
  • Chef's Knife & Cutting Board For dicing the chicken and chopping broccoli florets.
  • Wooden Spoon Perfect for stirring the creamy sauce without scraping the pan.
  • Cheese Grater For shredding the block of cheddar (which melts smoother than pre-shredded).

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken until golden (5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in broth and milk. Simmer for 7-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  6. Lower heat and melt in the cheddar cheese.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, mix well, and serve.

Video

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal. Fresh broccoli provides better texture than frozen. If sauce is too thick, splash in extra broth.