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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
Sauté Onions: Add the chopped half onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Cook Broccoli: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
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.
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.
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.
Add Chicken: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, mixing well and heating through.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
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