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Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo for Ultimate Comfort Dinners

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
For the Pasta Base
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Use gluten-free orzo as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with butter or any cooking oil.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Diced for quicker cooking; replace with chickpeas for vegetarian option.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for a fresher taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be substituted with finely chopped onions.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings; adjust to taste.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Can be fresh or frozen; substitute with other favorites like green beans or spinach.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Substitute with mozzarella or gouda.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Avoid if dairy-free.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Brightens flavors; optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound of diced boneless skinless chicken breasts, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Once the chicken is browned, carefully pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let this mixture cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix until all the cheese is melted and well combined.
  5. Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period will enable the orzo to absorb any remaining liquid, thickening the creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo with different seasonings or cheeses. Experiment for flavors tailored to your family's taste preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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