Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
A comforting and creamy dish that combines tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and melting cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken broth Low-sodium recommended
- 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded Can use rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup Fresh broccoli florets Can substitute with frozen
Cheese and Cream Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar enhances flavor
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with whole milk for lighter version
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and cook until almost tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Reduce heat to low.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best flavor and texture. Consider using whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.