Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to coat it with the flavors.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir well to heat through.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or swap with cooked turkey or ham for a different twist.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda to change the cheese profile.
• If you prefer a thicker texture, reduce the chicken broth slightly or cook a few minutes longer to evaporate more liquid.

Storage

Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to help loosen the creamy sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw it before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a small amount of cream cheese can also help thicken the sauce if using lighter dairy.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese melted into tender orzo pasta. This dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Pasta & Liquids

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Protein & Cheese

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and combined.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped half onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Cook Broccoli: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
4. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of orzo pasta; toast the mixture by cooking for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
6. Cook Orzo: Let the mixture cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Add Chicken: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, mixing well and heating through.
8. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
9. Season and Rest: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability; frozen should be thawed for best texture.
• Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient, but you can use any cooked chicken.
• To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the dish will be less rich.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy chicken orzo, broccoli orzo recipe, one pot dinner, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner