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–+ servings

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A comforting and hearty dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base
  • 250 g orzo Trust me, you want this shape! It soaks up all the flavour.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Use extra virgin for the best taste.
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, diced Use yellow onion for its sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add more if you enjoy garlic.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Frozen broccoli works well, too.
Chicken and Liquid
  • 300 g cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut.
  • 400 ml chicken stock Homemade stock is fantastic.
  • 200 ml milk Almond or soy alternatives are fine.
Cheesy Goodness
  • 150 g grated cheddar cheese Feel free to mix in some gruyère for variety.
  • 1 tsp mustard powder A tiny touch that enhances the flavor.
Seasonings
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Adjust according to your preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic for another minute.
  3. Stir in the broccoli and shredded chicken, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green.
  4. Add the orzo and mix thoroughly.
  5. Pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring to combine everything.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and mustard powder, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in half of the cheese just before serving, letting it melt into the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
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