Easy Peasy Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

I made a big opps! The hubby is sweet enough to subscribe to my blog and actually read my posts. I was under the impression he "subscribed" but did not actually READ it. WRONG! Because, this morning, he gave me a cheesy smile and let me know that he knew what I got him for Christmas. I cannot believe I walked right into that one :( I am huge on Birthdays and Holidays, where the hubby is "eh" about them. So I have been on a mission since we met-- and clearly I am failing....miserably....at the wonderful element of surprise. And Ninja still has not given up stalking the closet to gain access to his present! Who knew dogs had such personalities, with Ninja's main component being sweetness and stubbornness-- now I did say he was just like his mommy ;)

I am not sure what it is about holidays-- but I have still been indulging in the laziness that is holidays. It is soo nice sleeping in, watching t.v., cuddling with Ninja and tweaking the blog-- things I never have time to do during school time. I feel like a little kid saying "school time," but i really have no other way to describe it. Well today, since I am still on hiatus from baking but not cooking-- I spent the morning sleeping and cuddling with Ninja, scrolling through Pinterest, watching HGTV, and eating mango popsicles. Yes, only me, would wait till winter to start eating popsicles. In line with my lazy day, I wanted something that seemed easy to whip up for an early dinner. But this recipe was SOOO easy- that it took half the time I thought it would be. I guess the hubby can nibble on some now and later?

EASY PEASY CHEESY BROCCOLI ORZO

Adapted From Iowa Girl Eats 

INGREDIENTS

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 tbsp. olive oil

1-2tsp. garlic salt

1 c. orzo

3 c. water (salted)

16 oz. broccoli florets 

1/2 c. shredded cheese (of your choice)

1/3 c. milk

2 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. parmesan cheese 

DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet, over medium heat-- add olive oil and chicken. Satuee chicken until cooked and tender, sprinkle garlic salt over chicken and toss to combine well. Set aside chicken. 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook orzo for 4-5 minutes. Then add broccoli florets and boil for an additional 2-3 minutes or until orzo is tender. Drain excess water-- make sure to do this well, because no one likes watery cheese (gross). Add orzo and broccoli back to pot. Add shredded cheese, milk, butter and parmesan cheese and stir well until butter and cheese melts. 

Then, add chicken and mix well- to spread throughout. This meal, literally takes like 12-30 minutes to prepare. :) LOVE IT!

Enjoy,

Chika