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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A warm and comforting dish featuring chicken, broccoli, orzo, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for cozy meals or family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingrédients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo Can be substituted with gluten-free pasta.
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced Can be replaced with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Can be substituted with spinach or bell peppers.
  • 2 cups chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Coconut milk or cashew cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for a non-dairy cheesy flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather and measure out all your ingredients. Dice the chicken, chop the broccoli, and measure the orzo.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the orzo and sprinkle with garlic powder. Mix well to coat the orzo.
  • Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
  • Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until broccoli is tender.
  • Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving

  • Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Great for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Can be customized with various vegetables and proteins. Ideal for leftovers; simply reheat gently.
Keyword chicken, Comfort food, Creamy, Kid-Friendly, Pasta