Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Skillet

Searching for a comforting, one-pan supper that includes fresh vegetables, delicate chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce? This Broccoli and Cheesy Chicken Orzo is just what you need! This recipe, which is cooked in a single pan for convenience in preparation and cleaning, combines delicate broccoli, orzo pasta, and delicious chicken in a creamy cheddar sauce. Rich, filling, and bursting with flavor, this dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken, cut into small pieces

• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups of finely chopped broccoli florets
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided (1 ¼ cup + ¼ cup)

Directions:

1. Cook the chicken by melting the butter and adding the olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. After adding the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Put the minced garlic and diced onion in the same pan. Cook, stirring, until the onion is transparent and emits its fragrant perfume, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the orzo and carrots: Add the orzo pasta and matchstick carrots and stir. Allow the orzo to toast slightly in the butter and oil combination by cooking it for one to two minutes.
4. Cook after adding the broth: Stir well after adding the chicken broth. For 8 to 10 minutes, or when the orzo is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook.
5. Add the broccoli and cream: Fill the pan with the chopped broccoli and heavy cream. Cook the broccoli for a further three to four minutes, or until it is soft, after giving it a good stir and covering it again.
6. After taking the pan off of the burner, add 1¼ cups of the strong cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
   Add the last garnish and the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and swirl to mix well. Serve hot after adding the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and covering for a minute to melt the cheese.

In summary:

With each taste, this cozy, all-in-one dish of Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo combines vivid broccoli, creamy cheddar, and delicate chicken. This recipe, which is flavorful and easy to prepare, is likely to become a family favorite on weeknights. Serve it up for a filling supper that is both tasty and nourishing.