Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo -

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

2 1/2 cups broccoli florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Instructions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo according to package directions, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick.

When the orzo is almost tender, add the broccoli florets. Cover and cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Add a splash of broth if the orzo becomes too thick.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts.

Frozen broccoli can be used, but add it toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.

If the orzo thickens while sitting, stir in a little warm chicken broth, milk, or cream.

For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or use Pepper Jack cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to restore the creamy texture.