Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s both nourishing and flavorful.

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 chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the mixture for about 30 seconds to enhance flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
5. Step 5: Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded chicken and stir to heat through thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with extra broccoli or mushrooms.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist.
• Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch, but frozen works well if thawed and drained.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pastas like ditalini or acini di pepe work well, but adjust cooking time accordingly as some shapes may take longer to cook.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides richness and creaminess, but for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the texture will be less creamy.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta cooked in a luscious blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients for a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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 (such as rotisserie)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly tenderize them.
3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, and toast the orzo for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
5. Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and heat through for a couple of minutes, ensuring the chicken warms up properly within the creamy sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
7. Season and Rest: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets; if frozen, thaw before using for best texture.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth; omit if allergic or prefer a simpler flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy chicken orzo, chicken broccoli pasta, creamy orzo recipe, one-pot chicken dinner, quick chicken skillet meal