Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe! This dish perfectly combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich orzo pasta, all enveloped in a luscious creamy cheese sauce. It's not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that both adults and kids will love. Try this easy recipe and make it a new staple in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked orzo and broccoli. Stir everything together until well coated. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or more cream to reach your desired consistency.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings