Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. This dish combines savory spices with a rich blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, making it perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Vegetables
- 2 Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 6 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets (chopped)
Pantry & Dairy
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (used for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter (divided)
- 1-2 tsp Garlic Powder (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp Onion Powder (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp Pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp Smoked Paprika (to taste)
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon (heaping)
- 2.5 cups Water (or 2 cups chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for creaminess)
- 2 cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese (adds richness)
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for finishing touch)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to evenly coat the meat.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, diced carrots, and onion. Cook for about 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic, enhancing the flavor base.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute to lightly toast it, adding a nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Bouillon: Carefully pour in the chicken bouillon and 2.5 cups of water or chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer with Broccoli: Toss in the chopped broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 11-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Make it Creamy and Cheesy: Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine, allowing it to heat through evenly.
- Serve Hot: Dish out the One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo while hot to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Using chicken broth instead of water will enhance the depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt or spices if desired.
- The dish can be complemented with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
