Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Tender bites of chicken, nutty orzo pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli are cooked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a satisfying one-pan meal. Think of it as a lighter, quicker version of chicken-broccoli casserole — but cooked on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt & black pepper, to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup milk (or half & half for creamier)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, chopped small)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried Italian herbs
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear 5–6 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Toast Orzo & Add Flavor:
In the same skillet, add garlic and orzo. Sauté 1–2 minutes until orzo is lightly golden.
Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often.
Add Broccoli & Chicken:
Stir in broccoli florets and return chicken to the pan. Continue cooking 5–7 minutes, until orzo is al dente, liquid is absorbed, and broccoli is tender.
Make it Creamy & Cheesy:
Lower heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes & Tips
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
Can substitute broccoli with spinach, peas, or asparagus.
Great next-day lunch — just add a splash of milk when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Add it in with the broccoli and cook just until warmed.
Q: Can I bake this like a casserole?
A: Yes — transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until golden.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480
Protein: 37g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g