Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo One-Pan Creamy Dinner (Print Version)
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, one-pan dinner. Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and savory cheese.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Start
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 tsp salt
07 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Creamy Orzo Core
08 -
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
09 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1/2 cup whole milk
11 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
→ Cheesy Green Goodness
12 -
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
13 -
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
02 -
To the same pan, add 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Stir in 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta, 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, and 1/2 cup whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender. This is the heart of your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – One-Pan Creamy Dinner.
04 -
Uncover the pan. Stir in 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, until fully melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
05 -
Add 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces, to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid. Ensure the broccoli is perfectly cooked for your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – One-Pan Creamy Dinner.
06 -
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – One-Pan Creamy Dinner rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
07 -
Garnish your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – One-Pan Creamy Dinner with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, creamy meal straight from the pan!
# Notes:
01 -
Substitution Tip: Feel free to swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (stir in at the very end) or frozen peas (add with the broccoli). You can also use chicken thighs for extra flavor.
02 -
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.
03 -
Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, use full-fat milk and cream cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end also boosts the cheesy flavor.
04 -
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 625 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
Protein: 56 g