Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Creamy One-Pan Dinner (Print Version)
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Easy weeknight meal!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Sautéed Savory Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 -
1/2 yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Orzo Core
05 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 -
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
07 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
09 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
10 -
1/2 cup whole milk
11 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
→ Cheesy Green Finish
12 -
3 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 head)
13 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces, and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1/2 yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
02 -
Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender. This forms the heart of your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo - Creamy One-Pan Dinner.
03 -
Uncover the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup whole milk and 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
04 -
Add 3 cups broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir them into the creamy orzo mixture. Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
05 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend) until it's completely melted and creates a luscious, cheesy coating throughout. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo - Creamy One-Pan Dinner.
06 -
Let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo - Creamy One-Pan Dinner rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to further thicken. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra creaminess, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the hot orzo mixture; this helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
02 -
Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breast for a richer flavor, or swap sharp cheddar for a milder mozzarella or a spicy Monterey Jack.
03 -
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
04 -
Serve this hearty one-pan meal with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious, cheesy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet with lid
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 820 kcal
Total Fat: 33 g
Total Carbohydrate: 69 g
Protein: 62 g