Description
A quick and comforting 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and orzo pasta cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce using just one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the pot. Once melted, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo to the pot and stir with onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes to toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add broccoli florets, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add more broth if the mixture is too thick.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the chicken initially; it will finish cooking later. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavorful fond. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. This dish does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: one pot meal, cheesy chicken, broccoli orzo, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick recipes, family friendly