Devour One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo under 600

Name: Devour One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo under 600
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 2 tbsp Salted Butter, divided; 1-2 tsp each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper and Smoked Paprika; 2 Carrots, peeled and diced; 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 6 Garlic Cloves, minced; 1 Cup Orzo Pasta; 1 Heaping Tbsp Chicken Bouillon + 2 1/2 Cups water OR 2 cups of chicken broth; 2 Cups Broccoli Florets, chopped; 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream; 2 Cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

by Jannet Lisa

1 de July de 2025

One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

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Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and trying to squeeze in some semblance of a social life, dinner often feels like a monumental chore. That’s where my One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo swoops in to save the day! Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal effort and even less cleanup?

This dish is pure comfort food heaven. We’re talking tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets, all swimming in a ridiculously creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’ll want seconds. My kids, who are usually the pickiest eaters on the planet, devour this stuff. Last week, my youngest actually licked his plate clean – a true sign of success in my book! It’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying those cheesy cravings. This has become the star of my weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights – seriously quick and easy!
Cleanup is a breeze! Everything cooks in one pot. Hallelujah!
Even the pickiest eaters will gobble it up. Kid-friendly for the win!
You can totally customize it with your favorite veggies. Get creative!
It’s the ultimate comfort food. Cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Ingredients for Your One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. Don’t worry if you’re missing an exact measurement – a little extra cheese never hurt anyone, right?

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes is perfect)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing that chicken!)
2 tbsp Salted Butter, divided (butter makes everything better, trust me)
1-2 tsp each Garlic Powder (because garlic is life)
1-2 tsp each Onion Powder (adds a nice depth of flavor)
1-2 tsp each Salt (season to taste, of course!)
1-2 tsp each Pepper (freshly ground is always best!)
1-2 tsp each Smoked Paprika (this is my secret weapon for extra flavor!)
2 Carrots, peeled and diced (about 1/4-inch dice is good)
1 Yellow Onion, diced (again, about 1/4-inch dice)
6 Garlic Cloves, minced (or use the pre-minced stuff if you’re in a hurry!)
1 Cup Orzo Pasta (the star of the show!)
1 Heaping Tbsp Chicken Bouillon + 2 1/2 Cups water OR 2 cups of chicken broth (either works great!)
2 Cups Broccoli Florets, chopped (fresh or frozen, whatever you have on hand)
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream (makes it extra creamy and dreamy)
2 Cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese (I always buy a block and grate it myself – melts better!)
1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (adds a nice salty, nutty flavor)

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, cheesy dinner on the table in no time. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – this recipe is super forgiving!

Step 1: First, grab a bowl and toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with that tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated – this is where all that flavor comes from! I usually just use my hands to mix it all together; it’s the easiest way to make sure everything’s evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Now, heat the olive oil and about a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter’s melted and the pan is nice and hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, though! If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, and then the chicken just steams instead of browning. Nobody wants pale, sad chicken! Once it’s cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet (yes, the same one – remember, one pot!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced carrots and onion and cook for about 7 minutes, until they’re nice and soft. Stir them frequently so they don’t burn. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is bitter and nobody wants that!
Step 4: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the skillet for about 1 minute. This step might seem weird, but trust me, toasting the orzo gives it a wonderful nutty flavor. Next, add the chicken bouillon and water (or chicken broth) to the skillet, and scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor! Stir in the chopped broccoli florets as well.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 11–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it, and if it seems like it’s getting too dry, add a little more water or broth. You want creamy, not dry!
Step 6: Now for the best part – the cheese! Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Mmm, cheesy goodness! If the heat is too high, the cheese will scorch. Yuck!
Step 7: Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir it in to combine. Make sure the chicken is heated through. And that’s it! Your One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo is ready to serve. If you want to get fancy, garnish it with a little extra cheese or some fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Want to make sure your One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo turns out amazing every time? Here are a few of my favorite tips! Honestly, this recipe is pretty foolproof, but these little tricks will take it to the next level.

Whatever you do, don’t overcook the orzo! You want it to be al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Mushy orzo is a no-go.
Freshly grated cheese is the way to go. Seriously, pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt as nicely. Plus, it tastes better!
Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. More cheese? Yes, please! Less cheese? Okay, I guess…
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Just a little bit goes a long way!
If the sauce gets too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. Problem solved!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Okay, so maybe you’re staring at the fridge and realizing you’re missing an ingredient or two. No worries! This recipe is super flexible. Here are some swaps you can make without sacrificing too much flavor. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Chicken: Don’t have chicken breasts? No problem! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well – they’ll give you a richer flavor, too!
Orzo: Out of orzo? Ditalini or small shells are great substitutes. Just make sure they’re small so they cook evenly!
Broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly if you don’t have fresh. Just toss ’em in!
Cheese: Cheddar not your thing? Experiment with Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a different flavor profile. Yum!
Heavy Cream: If you’re trying to lighten things up (sort of!), you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. Just remember the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, cheesy orzo dish ready to go. But what should you serve with it? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete and totally delicious meal! I mean, why stop at just one awesome dish, right?

A simple side salad is always a winner. Something with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. Plus, it just looks fancy!
Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious, cheesy sauce. Don’t let a single drop go to waste!
Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor.

FAQ About This One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Don’t be shy – if you have more questions, just leave a comment!

Can I make this ahead of time? You bet! You can totally assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven, though.
Can I freeze this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo? Yep, it freezes like a champ! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave.
How can I make this healthier? Good question! Use whole wheat orzo for extra fiber, swap out some of the cheddar for low-fat cheese, and load it up with even more veggies! The more veggies, the better, right?
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add whatever veggies you like. Bell peppers, zucchini, peas – they’d all be delicious in this one pan chicken orzo!
Is this one pan chicken orzo gluten-free? Sadly, no. Orzo is a type of pasta, so it contains gluten. But don’t worry, you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free pasta alternative! There are tons of great gluten-free pastas out there these days.

Nutritional Information for One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Okay, so let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one serving of this delicious dish. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, it’s all about balance, right?

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approx. 550 (worth every single one, if you ask me!)
Sugar: Approx. 5g (mostly from the veggies and a tiny bit in the cheese)
Sodium: Approx. 700mg (you can reduce this by using low-sodium broth!)
Fat: Approx. 30g (hello, cheese and cream!)
Saturated Fat: Approx. 18g (that creamy, cheesy goodness!)
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10g (the healthier fats from the olive oil)
Trans Fat: Approx. 0g (yay!)
Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g (mostly from the orzo)
Fiber: Approx. 3g (thanks, broccoli and carrots!)
Protein: Approx. 40g (that chicken is doing its job!)
Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg (just something to be mindful of!)

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Enjoy Your One Pot Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Orzo

Alright, dig in and enjoy! If you loved this recipe as much as my family does, please give it a rating and leave a comment below. And don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media – sharing is caring!