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Cheesy Chicken Orzo with Broccoli

A quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, nutty orzo, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Yes to the greens!
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For that lovely sizzle
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or fresh garlic if you're feeling fancy
  • 1 cup chicken broth To bring it all together
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The star of the show!
  • to taste Salt and pepper The classic duo!

Method
 

Cooking Orzo and Broccoli
  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). In the last two minutes, throw in the broccoli florets to cook alongside the pasta. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. To your skillet, add the cooked orzo and broccoli. Pour in the chicken broth, and let it simmer for around 5 minutes until it gets thick and bubbly.
  2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and transforms your dish into a creamy wonder.
Serving
  1. Taste your masterpiece and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Scoop it into bowls and serve.

Notes

If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. For extra creaminess, add more cheese or cream cheese. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or spinach.