Description
A creamy and cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish that’s quick to prepare, combining tender cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Orzo and Broccoli: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions in boiling water. In the final 2 minutes of the cooking process, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pot to blanch them, then drain both together.
- Sauté Chicken: While the orzo and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced, cooked chicken breasts and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and slightly golden.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Melt Cheeses: Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir continuously until both cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked orzo and blanched broccoli into the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Toss everything to combine evenly, ensuring every bite is coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your comforting dish!
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to reduce total cooking time.
- Fresh broccoli can be substituted with frozen; adjust blanching time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for extra flavor variation.
- Ensure to stir continuously when melting cheese to prevent clumping.
