30-Minute Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A Creamy & Delicious Weeknight Winner 🧀🥦🍗
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, hearty, and cheesy meal, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe. It combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta coated in a luscious cheese sauce—all ready in just 30 minutes! This easy chicken orzo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
2. Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Preparing the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo and Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay tender but not mushy. Once the orzo is cooked al dente and the broccoli is bright green, proceed to the next step.
Adding Cheese and Chicken
Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well—just transfer to a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a fresh green salad for a light meal, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. For added flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. Looking to make it more filling? Add some sautéed mushrooms or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and taste.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or shrimp?
Absolutely! For a different protein twist, use cooked shrimp or ground turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
This cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is best enjoyed as is, but you can substitute the orzo with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
How long does it take to prepare?
This 30-minute chicken orzo recipe is designed for quick preparation, with most of the cooking time being hands-off simmering. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes!
7. Additional Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli—aim for a vibrant green color and tender, not mushy, texture.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the cheese-melting step.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Stainless steel saucepan: This high-quality saucepan provides even heat distribution, perfect for cooking pasta and sauces, making your meal preparation smooth and efficient.
- Deep stockpot: Ideal for boiling orzo and broccoli, enabling you to cook larger quantities with ease.
- Silicone spatula: Essential for stirring and scraping the cheesy sauce without damaging your cookware.
Investing in these tools will elevate your cooking experience and help you achieve perfect results every time!
9. Conclusion
In just half an hour, you can create a mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli. This easy chicken orzo recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to suit your mood and taste. Give this delightful dish a try and enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal everyone will love!
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30-Minute Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Discover the quick and delicious 30-Minute Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, a creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melt-in-your-mouth cheeses. Perfect for busy families and home cooks seeking a satisfying and easy-to-make meal in just 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay tender but not mushy. Once the orzo is cooked al dente and the broccoli is bright green, proceed to the next step.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli—aim for a vibrant green color and tender, not mushy, texture.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the cheese-melting step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg