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A close-up of a vibrant dinner plate featuring golden grilled chicken breast slices, tender green broccoli florets, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta garnished with fresh herbs, beautifully arranged on a rustic white plate with steam rising gently, emphasizing the colorful, hearty, and inviting nature of the dish.

30-Minute Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • 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

Find it online: https://www.serenarecipes.com/30-minute-cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo/