Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly tenderize them.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/
