Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheesy orzo pasta. This dish combines sautéed chicken and vegetables with tender orzo simmered in chicken broth, all finished with a melty blend of parmesan and cheddar cheeses and a bright touch of fresh lemon juice and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 1/2 cups Broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
Pantry and Dairy
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces sprinkled with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken along with any juices to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter, diced onion, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the butter and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-11 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the parmesan and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. Then fold in the cooked chicken pieces, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Season and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the dish and stir thoroughly. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed to enhance the seasoning.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Optionally, add extra freshly grated parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese before serving for an added cheesy finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different melty texture.
- If broccoli florets are large, steam them briefly beforehand for even tenderness.
- Using freshly grated cheeses improves melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth to loosen.
