Description

A quick and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish that combines tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and creamy cheeses with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Dairy & Seasonings

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Orzo and Broccoli: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. When there are only 2 minutes left in the cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them until just tender.
Sauté the Chicken: While the orzo and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced, cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Melt the Cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo and blanched broccoli into the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Serve: Plate the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo immediately while hot. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish fresh from the pan.

Notes

Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.
Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used; adjust blanching time accordingly.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use gluten-free orzo if you want a gluten-free version.