Description
One‑pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo is a quick, creamy dinner that blends tender chicken, bright broccoli, and al dente orzo with melted cheddar. Perfect for busy families, this easy recipe delivers balanced protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal and a Pinterest‑friendly comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned.
- Stir in garlic powder, then pour in chicken broth, scraping the pot bottom.
- Add broccoli florets and orzo pasta; stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor
- use smoked beef instead of chicken. Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: one-pot cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo, easy chicken orzo recipe, one pot meals, chicken broccoli dinner, quick cheesy pasta, family dinner ideas, healthy one pot meals, weeknight chicken recipes