Description
Skip the stress! Our creamy orzo skillet is a dinner hero, transforming savory diced chicken and pasta into a rich, cheesy comfort meal using just one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Step 3: Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. Continue simmering until the orzo is nearly tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, leaving a slightly saucy base.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the broccoli florets, stir gently, and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to steam and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 3 days; expect the pasta to absorb much of the remaining sauce, resulting in a much thicker texture the next day.
- For best reheating results, warm servings gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk (1-2 tablespoons per serving) to restore moisture and creaminess.
- Serve this cozy dish alongside a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette, or top individual bowls with a dash of black pepper and some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- For maximum creaminess and a smoother melt in Step 5, always shred your own block of sharp cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 340g)
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 5g