why make this recipe
This dish cooks in one pot. It saves time and makes less cleanup. The meal is creamy, cheesy, and full of vegetables and chicken. It is good for weeknights and for feeding a family. You can also change it easily. In this intro you can find a different take on broccoli sides like Beef and broccoli recipe for more ideas.
introduction
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is simple and warm. You cook the chicken, veggies, and orzo in one pot. Then you add cream and cheese for a soft, cheesy sauce. The steps are easy and the meal feels like comfort food. It is kid-friendly and fills you up.
how to make One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Follow the steps below in order. Use a large pot so the orzo can cook well. Cut the chicken small if you want it to cook faster. Stir the cheese in at the end so it melts into a creamy sauce.
Ingredients :
1 1/2 lbs Chicken breasts, Boneless Skinless
2 cups Broccoli florets
2 Carrots, diced
6 Garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 Yellow onion, chopped
1 Heaping tbsp chicken bouillon
1 cup Orzo pasta
1 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Butter, Salted
2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions :
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced carrots, broccoli florets, and garlic powder.
- Pour in chicken bouillon and sufficient water to cook the orzo (follow orzo package instructions).
- Bring to a boil, then add orzo pasta.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm.
how to serve One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Spoon into bowls while hot. Add extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with a simple salad or crusty bread. For a fresh touch, add chopped parsley or lemon zest on top.
how to store One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on low heat on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. You can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces so it cooks faster and more evenly.
- Use low heat when you add cream and cheese. Stir until smooth to avoid curdling.
- If the mix is too thick, add a little hot water or milk to reach the texture you like.
- For more flavor, brown the chicken well before adding liquid.
- For a different side idea, check this baked potato and broccoli dish: Baked potatoes with crispy broccoli and bacon.
variation (if any)
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder cheese.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—add it near the end to heat through.
- Make it vegetarian: skip chicken and use vegetable broth and extra beans or mushrooms.
- Add spinach or peas in the last minutes of cooking for more greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Use small pasta like acini di pepe or small shells. Cooking time may change.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add it a few minutes earlier than fresh so it cooks through.
Q: Is this safe to freeze?
A: Yes. Freeze in a tight container. Thaw in fridge before reheating. Texture may change a bit.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream and non-dairy cheese. The texture will be different but it works.
Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium broth or less bouillon. Taste before adding extra salt.
Conclusion
For the original recipe and more tips, see the full post at One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo – What’s Mom Cookin’.
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced carrots, broccoli florets, and garlic powder.
- Pour in chicken bouillon and sufficient water to cook the orzo (follow orzo package instructions).
- Bring to a boil, then add orzo pasta.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm.