Print

Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy cheesy chicken and broccoli orzo dish that delivers comfort and nutrition with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
  • 2 cups (about 150g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups (720ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (about 100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. If using fresh broccoli, chop into small florets. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan or skillet. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in orzo pasta and broccoli florets. Cover with lid and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but still firm (al dente). Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too quickly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan. Mix until cheeses melt into a smooth sauce coating the orzo and broccoli.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir well to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
  8. Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with extra parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

Use low heat when adding cheese to prevent grainy sauce. Stir gently and avoid boiling after cheese is added. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Fresh broccoli provides better texture than frozen. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, cheesy chicken pasta, broccoli orzo recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-orzo-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/