Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for quick dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter: Begin by placing a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing them to melt together.
- Sauté the onions: Once the oil and butter are hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
- Add broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for another 2 minutes. You want them to be bright green but still crisp.
- Incorporate garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it with the vegetables to toast it slightly.
- Pour in liquids: Now, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo: Let the dish simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Add chicken and cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken, ensuring it is evenly heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Allow it 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: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg