Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheeses combined with tender orzo pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Veggies
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta and blanch broccoli: Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot to blanch them until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced, cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just warmed through.
- Add cream and seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Melt the cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, continuing to cook and stir until the cheeses melt fully into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and broccoli: Add the cooked orzo and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything carefully to coat all components evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo hot immediately for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your quick and comforting meal!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk though sauce will be less thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Cook chicken ahead of time or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor if desired.
- This dish can be adapted with other veggies like peas or spinach if broccoli is unavailable.
