Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Creamy, Comforting & One-Pan Dinner!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken BreastOpt for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into uniform one-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.; Orzo PastaThis rice-shaped pasta is essential for thickening the sauce naturally and providing a lovely chewy texture.; Broccoli FloretsUse fresh or frozen florets, ensuring they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook through quickly at the end.; Chicken BrothUse high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth as the primary liquid base to add depth of savory flavor.; Milk or Half-and-HalfWhole milk provides ample creaminess, but half-and-half will yield an even richer, more luxurious sauce.; Sharp Cheddar CheeseShred your own cheddar from a block for superior melting quality and a distinct, tangy flavor profile.; Yellow Onion and GarlicThese aromatics create the essential flavor foundation that the rest of the dish is built upon.; Olive Oil and ButterA combination of these two fats is used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, enhancing overall richness.; SeasoningsInclude dried herbs like thyme, plus staples such as kosher salt, black pepper, and maybe a pinch of paprika or onion powder for complexity.

Description

Forget the dishes! This ultimate One-Pan Orzo recipe sears savory chicken and toasts the pasta base before simmering in a luxurious, creamy broth. Rich cheddar coats tender broccoli.

Ingredients

Chicken BreastOpt for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into uniform one-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
Orzo PastaThis rice-shaped pasta is essential for thickening the sauce naturally and providing a lovely chewy texture.
Broccoli FloretsUse fresh or frozen florets, ensuring they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook through quickly at the end.
Chicken BrothUse high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth as the primary liquid base to add depth of savory flavor.
Milk or Half-and-HalfWhole milk provides ample creaminess, but half-and-half will yield an even richer, more luxurious sauce.
Sharp Cheddar CheeseShred your own cheddar from a block for superior melting quality and a distinct, tangy flavor profile.
Yellow Onion and GarlicThese aromatics create the essential flavor foundation that the rest of the dish is built upon.
Olive Oil and ButterA combination of these two fats is used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, enhancing overall richness.
SeasoningsInclude dried herbs like thyme, plus staples such as kosher salt, black pepper, and maybe a pinch of paprika or onion powder for complexity.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sauté the Aromatics
Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Build the Base
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Step 4: Incorporate the Broccoli
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Serve

Notes

Store leftovers tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but note the pasta will continue to absorb the creamy sauce, making the dish naturally thicker overnight.
When reheating, add a splash of extra milk or chicken broth before warming to restore the original sauce consistency and prevent the rich cheddar from splitting.
Balance the richness of the cheese by serving each bowl with a bright garnish, such as fresh chopped parsley or a light grating of lemon zest.
For the smoothest possible sauce, make sure you shred your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 520
Sodium: 805mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 43g
Protein: 3g