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To make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, gather these must-have ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients blend together to create a creamy, cheesy base that is rich in flavor. For those who want to kick it up a notch, add these optional ingredients: - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish These extras can bring more depth and color to your dish, making it even more inviting. To prepare this dish, you will need a few simple tools: - Medium saucepan - Stirring spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Colander (for draining orzo) Having these tools ready will make your cooking process smooth and easy. Enjoy using them while you whip up this delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling chicken broth in a medium pot. Use medium-high heat for a quick boil. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Stir the orzo often to stop it from sticking. When there are 3-4 minutes left, toss in 1 cup of broccoli florets. They should turn bright green and tender. After cooking, drain any extra liquid from the pot. Now, place the orzo and broccoli back on low heat. Add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken to the pot. Then, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. If you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors. Cook the mixture on low heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir often to ensure the cheeses melt smoothly. Check if the dish is heated through. Taste it and add salt and black pepper as needed. Let it sit for a minute after removing it from the heat. This helps set the flavors. Serve in warm bowls, and add fresh parsley for color. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! To cook orzo perfectly, use a large pot. This helps the orzo move freely. Boil water before adding the orzo. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Follow the package time for cooking. Aim for al dente for the best texture. To boost flavor, use garlic and onion powders. They add depth without overpowering. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo in warm bowls. This keeps the dish cozy. Top with extra shredded cheese for a nice touch. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness. For more flair, add chili flakes on top. Enjoy the comfort and flavor! Pro Tips Cook Orzo Al Dente: Ensure you cook the orzo until it is al dente for the best texture. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese and chicken. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets not only taste better but also maintain a vibrant green color and crunch compared to frozen. Blanching them briefly helps retain their nutrients. Mix Cheese Varieties: For a more complex flavor, consider mixing sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. This will enhance the creaminess and taste of your dish. Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out chicken for other proteins. Try diced turkey, shrimp, or even tofu. Each choice brings a new taste to the dish. For instance, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian meal. Just make sure to season it well for the best flavor. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to explore. Mozzarella gives a stretchy quality, while gouda adds a smoky taste. You can even mix cheeses for a more complex flavor. A blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy texture. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite cheese combo! Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or peas work well. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and tender. More veggies mean more vitamins and minerals in your meal. Plus, they add color and crunch to your dish, making it more appealing! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place the container in the fridge. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, toss it out. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavors nice and bright. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly. Label it with the date to track how long it’s been stored. You can freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the instructions above for the best taste. If you don't have orzo, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Rice is also a good choice. Quinoa can work if you want a gluten-free option. Each of these alternatives will give you a similar texture and absorb the flavors well. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the orzo and broccoli as directed. Mix in the chicken and cheeses, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to eat. This makes life easier on busy days. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is great for meal prep. You can divide the dish into portions and store them in airtight containers. This way, you have tasty meals ready to grab and go. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days. To reheat, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but cover it to trap steam. This keeps the orzo creamy and delicious. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a simple and delicious dish. You learned essential and optional ingredients, plus helpful tools for cooking. I shared step-by-step instructions to create the perfect texture. Tips on cooking orzo and serving suggestions enhance your meal. You can also explore variations for added nutrition and taste. Finally, I covered storage methods to keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy cooking and feel confident in making this tasty dish!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • In the final 3-4 minutes of cooking the orzo, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Allow them to cook until they are vibrant and tender, ensuring they maintain their bright green color.
  • Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, carefully drain any excess liquid from the pot. Return the mixture to the heat, keeping the pot on low.
  • To the pot, add the diced cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution.
  • Cook the mixture over low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until both cheeses are melted and the dish is thoroughly heated. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, allowing it to sit for a minute to settle before serving.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls, garnished with parsley and extra cheese for added flavor.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, orzo