Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo


  • Author: amanda-miller
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A creamy, satisfying dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and broccoli cooked in one pot for easy preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, allowing the spices to cling to the chicken.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes; it should have a light crust but remain tender. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, until the orzo is just tender but still has a bit of bite.
  5. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender but not mushy.
  6. Lower the heat, then stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, and butter until the cheese is melted and the mixture looks creamy and homogeneous.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine thoroughly with the pasta and vegetables.
  8. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed, and serve warm in bowls.

Notes

Allow the chicken to sear without stirring too much for a golden crust. For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat orzo. Let cheese melt on low heat for a silky texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg