Description
A delicious one-pot meal combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all covered in creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (used for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter (divided)
- 1–2 tsp Garlic Powder (to taste)
- 1–2 tsp Onion Powder (to taste)
- 1–2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1–2 tsp Pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tsp Smoked Paprika (to taste)
- 2 Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 6 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta (cooks quickly)
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon (heaping)
- 2 cups Water (or 2 cups chicken broth)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for creaminess)
- 2 cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese (adds richness)
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for finishing touch)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, diced carrots, and onion. Cook for about 7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, letting it toast slightly for 1 minute.
- Carefully add the chicken bouillon and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth). Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Toss in the chopped broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 11-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken and stir to combine, heating through.
- Dish out your One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo while it’s hot.
Notes
- This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg