When you're craving something comforting yet nutritious, this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is the perfect solution! Combining tender orzo pasta, juicy diced chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich cheddar sauce, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. It's hearty enough for dinner but light enough to leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful meal step by step!

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Why This Recipe Is So Irresistible

This cheesy orzo isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a celebration of comfort and nutrition:

• Protein-Packed : Diced chicken provides lean protein, making the dish filling and satisfying.
• Creamy & Cheesy : A velvety cheddar sauce coats every bite, adding indulgence to your plate.
• Nutritious Veggies : Broccoli brings fiber, vitamins, and color to balance out the richness.
• Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into hectic schedules.

Whether served as a main course or paired with a side salad, this dish promises to satisfy everyone at the table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dish:

• 1 chicken breast , diced
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 shallot , finely chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Fresh parsley , chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes . Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes , or until fragrant and softened. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes , until they begin to soften but still retain their vibrant green color.

3. Prepare the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to coat the pasta in the residual oil. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the orzo is submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

4. Create the Cheese Sauce

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes , stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved chicken broth or milk.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat the chicken through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the broccoli cheddar chicken orzo to bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli : Adding the broccoli late in the cooking process ensures it stays bright green and slightly crisp.
• Use Quality Cheese : Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded varieties, resulting in a smoother sauce.
• Customize It : Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or spinach, or add diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead : Prepare the orzo base up to a day in advance and reheat before serving for convenience.

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Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is more than just dinner—it’s a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and nutritious veggies, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor this delightful creation! Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below—we’d love to see how they turned out.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other articles for more dinner inspiration and easy cooking ideas. Happy cooking, and remember—life’s too short not to enjoy something delicious now and then! 🍴✨