Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken Everyone Will Love

A delicious and easy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken recipe that will please the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Cooking Base

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing
1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Main protein source
1 cup Yellow Onion Chopped
1 tablespoon Minced Garlic Enhances flavor

For the Vegetables

4 cups Fresh Broccoli Roughly chopped florets
1 cup Grated Carrots Add sweetness and color

For the Pasta & Broth

3 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Serving as the cooking liquid
1.25 cups Dry Orzo Essential for the dish

For Seasoning

3 teaspoons Garlic Powder Adds garlicky kick
3 teaspoons Onion Powder Enhances taste
2 teaspoons Dried Parsley Adds flavor and color
0.75 teaspoon Black Pepper For seasoning
0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme Brings in earthy flavor
0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for subtle heat
0.25 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor
1 Bay Leaf Remove before serving

For Creaminess

0.33 cup Milk Provides creaminess
1 cup Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese Core flavor contributor
0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds a sharp cheesy note

Equipment

Large Skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for about 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
Mix in fresh broccoli florets and grated carrots, pour in chicken broth and dry orzo, stir in remaining spices.
Cover and simmer over medium heat for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy.
Remove bay leaf, mix well and serve immediately, optionally garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 55gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, and you can adjust ingredients based on personal preference for a unique flavor each time.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!