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an image of the Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo

Active Time:50 minsTotal Time:50 minsServings:6Jump to Nutrition Facts

Active Time:50 minsTotal Time:50 minsServings:6

Active Time:50 mins

Active Time:

50 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Total Time:

Servings:6

Servings:

6

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Jump to recipe

Busy weeknights just got better—and tastier—with thisCheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo. This high-protein, one-pot dish includes chicken, broccoli, pasta and three kinds of melty, creamy cheese that coat everything they touch. Simple seasonings, including Italian herbs, onions and garlic, balance the flavors. And one-pot means quick and easy cleanup. Keep reading for our expert tips, including how to save on prep time.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

Nutrition Notes

an image of the ingredients to make the Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients1½poundsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces1teaspoonItalian seasoning, divided½teaspoonsalt, divided½teaspoonground pepper, divided2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, divided1smallyellow onion, chopped (about1cup)1tablespoonminced garlic(from3cloves)6cupsfreshbroccoli florets3cupsreduced-sodium chicken broth1¼cupswhole-wheat orzo(8ounces)1(5.3-ounce) packagegarlic-and-herb spreadable cheese(such as Boursin)½cupgrated Parmesan cheese¾cupshredded sharp Cheddar cheese,divided2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh chives,divided

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

1½poundsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1teaspoonItalian seasoning, divided

½teaspoonsalt, divided

½teaspoonground pepper, divided

2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, divided

1smallyellow onion, chopped (about1cup)

1tablespoonminced garlic(from3cloves)

6cupsfreshbroccoli florets

3cupsreduced-sodium chicken broth

1¼cupswhole-wheat orzo(8ounces)

1(5.3-ounce) packagegarlic-and-herb spreadable cheese(such as Boursin)

½cupgrated Parmesan cheese

¾cupshredded sharp Cheddar cheese,divided

2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh chives,divided

Directions

Combine chicken, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl; toss until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown in spots and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the middle of a piece registers 165℉, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Wipe the skillet clean.

an image of the chicken and seasoning cooking in a skillet

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion; cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 6 cups broccoli; cook, stirring often, until bright green and beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in 3 cups broth and 1¼ cups orzo; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.

an image of the orzo and broccoli cooking in the skillet

Reduce heat to low. Add 1 (5.3-ounce) package garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, ½ cup Cheddar and the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and creamy, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; fold in the chicken and 1 tablespoon chives. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Cheddar and 1 tablespoon chives.

an image of the orzo, broccoli, and chicken being stirred together in a skillet

Frequently Asked QuestionsA goodgarlic pressor rasp grater can make mincing garlic a cinch. However, using a knife can be just as effective. Smash the clove with the side of the knife,peeland then chop it into tiny pieces.You can enjoy delicious leftovers for about 4 days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, portion it out and reheat it in a microwave on High, checking it at 30-second intervals, until warmed.This recipe is both satisfying and substantial. To complement it, a refreshing salad such as ourLeafy Green SaladorGreen Machine Saladwould be perfect, along with ourGrilled French Bread. If you choose to use bread from the bakery, check out ourGarlic Butterrecipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

A goodgarlic pressor rasp grater can make mincing garlic a cinch. However, using a knife can be just as effective. Smash the clove with the side of the knife,peeland then chop it into tiny pieces.

You can enjoy delicious leftovers for about 4 days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, portion it out and reheat it in a microwave on High, checking it at 30-second intervals, until warmed.

This recipe is both satisfying and substantial. To complement it, a refreshing salad such as ourLeafy Green SaladorGreen Machine Saladwould be perfect, along with ourGrilled French Bread. If you choose to use bread from the bakery, check out ourGarlic Butterrecipe.

EatingWell.com, December 2024

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Nutrition Facts(per serving)536Calories17gFat53gCarbs45gProtein

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Carrie Myers, M.S.

andLinda Frahm

Linda Frahm