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A quick and cheesy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta, ready in 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
  • 1–2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 heaping tbsp chicken bouillon + 2 1/2 cups water OR 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cut boneless skinless chicken into bite-sized chunks.
  2. Peel and dice carrots, dice the onion, finely mince the garlic, and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  3. Grate the cheddar and Parmesan and measure the heavy cream, orzo, and broth or bouillon with water.
  4. Place the diced chicken in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and toss to coat.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until pieces are browned and cooked through; transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
  8. Add the diced carrots and onion and cook about 7 minutes until softened.
  9. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  10. Add the orzo to the skillet and toast, stirring, for about 1 minute.
  11. Pour in the chicken bouillon dissolved in water (or the chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  12. Stir in the chopped broccoli florets.
  13. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 11 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  14. Pour in the heavy cream, add the grated cheddar and Parmesan, and stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  15. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine and heat through.
  16. Serve the cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo immediately.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best flavor and texture., Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness., Toast the orzo before cooking to enhance nutty flavor and prevent sticking., Let chicken and vegetables come to room temperature before cooking for even results., Adjust seasoning to taste during cooking., Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking to blend flavors., Swap in gouda or Monterey jack cheese for variation., Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonandhearth.com/one-pot-cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-orzo/