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Bowl of Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with chicken pieces, broccoli, and shredded cheese

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A creamy and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broth Ingredients
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Alternatively, you can substitute with any small pasta.
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Low-sodium options work best to control salt levels.
Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup Fresh broccoli florets Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded Try sharp cheddar for more flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream Alternative: Half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil A little butter can also be used for flavor.
  • Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the orzo and cook until almost tender, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add the broccoli and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.
  5. Reduce heat to low.
  6. Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Ensure the orzo is stirred occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot. For extra creaminess, reserve some pasta water and add a bit if the dish seems dry. Choose high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor profile. Prefer fresh broccoli for better texture and taste; it retains more nutrients than frozen. Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for optimal meltiness.