Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for quick dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the olive oil and butter together.
- Sauté: Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Cook Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp.
- Season: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to deepen the flavors.
- Toast: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it with the vegetables to toast it slightly.
- Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and the sauce remains creamy.
- Combine: Stir in the shredded chicken until heated through, then mix in cheddar cheese until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow to sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
Serve the dish as is or with a side salad. Add parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg