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why make this recipe
One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo is a delicious and easy meal that brings flavors together in one pan. It is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and comforting without a lot of cleanup. The creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli make this dish a family favorite. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, saving you time and effort!
how to make One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 1-2 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 tsp onion powder
- 1-2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp pepper
- 1-2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 heaping tbsp chicken bouillon + 2 1/2 cups water or 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil and your choice of spices.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken until it is browned on both sides. Once done, set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the diced carrots and onions until they are softened. Then, add minced garlic.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it briefly in the skillet.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the broccoli florets. Let it simmer until the orzo is tender.
- Mix in the heavy cream and cheeses, stirring until everything is well combined and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly before serving.
how to serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
how to store One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo
- Make sure to season the chicken well for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and onion powder according to your taste preference.
- For extra veggies, you can add bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat alternative.
variation
You can use different types of cheese, such as gouda or mozzarella, for a unique flavor. Additionally, feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it in at the same time you would add fresh broccoli and cook until heated through.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?
A: You can substitute water mixed with chicken bouillon, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo
A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 1–2 tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp pepper
- 1–2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 heaping tbsp chicken bouillon + 2 1/2 cups water or 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil and your choice of spices.
- Cook the chicken in a large skillet until browned on both sides. Set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet and sauté the carrots and onions until softened. Then, add the minced garlic.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it briefly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the broccoli. Let it simmer until the orzo is tender.
- Mix in the heavy cream and cheeses until well combined and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly before serving.
Notes
Serve hot and sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.