One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

Introduction

Looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and efficient? This One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo delivers hearty flavors with minimal cleanup. Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy, cheesy orzo—all cooked together in one pot—this recipe is a true crowd pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

Why This One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Stands Out

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. By cooking everything in a single pot, each ingredient has a chance to infuse the dish with extra flavor. The orzo absorbs the savory chicken broth and cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture. The combination of gooey cheese, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli hits all the flavor notes, making every bite satisfying and memorable.

Secrets to Creamy, Flavorful Orzo

The key is to gently simmer the orzo in your choice of chicken broth until just tender, stirring often so the starches release and meld with the cheese. Toss in the broccoli in the last few minutes—this keeps it bright and crisp, avoiding mushiness. Finish with a generous helping of shredded cheese for a luscious, creamy result.

One Pot Assembly for Ultimate Ease

Sauté the chicken until golden, then layer in the garlic and orzo before adding broth. As the orzo cooks, toss in broccoli florets. When everything is nearly done, stir in the cheese and a splash of milk for silky-smooth creaminess. This streamlined process means less washing up and more time enjoying your meal.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

For a finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic toast for a well-rounded dinner. This dish keeps beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or next-day lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 large servings. Each portion is loaded with protein, calcium, and fiber—thanks to chicken, cheese, and broccoli respectively. Depending on the cheese used, each serving ranges from 400 to 475 calories, making it a filling and wholesome dinner option.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo (Recap)

With one pot and a handful of pantry staples, this dish proves you don’t need complicated steps for maximum flavor. The creamy orzo, melty cheese, and vibrant broccoli ensure everyone heads back for seconds.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook, stirring, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute, mixing frequently.
4. Add chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Return cooked chicken to the pot.
5. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add broccoli florets, re-cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes more, or until orzo is al dente and broccoli is crisp-tender.
6. Lower heat. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with parsley, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline dinner planning, generate smart shopping lists, and ensure you have everything on hand come mealtime.

Planning Benefits:

– Auto-calculates ingredient quantities for all planned meals
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
– Cuts down on duplicate purchases and forgotten items
– Simplifies busy weeknights with efficient meal prep

Pro tip: When you plan multiple meals, schedule this recipe alongside others that use cheese or chicken—the smart shopping list will sum up total amounts needed, helping reduce food waste and stress at the store.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a creamy, cheesy one pot meal that’s as easy to make as it is to clean up!