Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese with tender orzo pasta creates a satisfying dish perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized (about 1-inch pieces, fresh or fully thawed and drained frozen)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 more minutes until they turn bright green but remain crisp.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the mixture together for about 30 seconds to deepen 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 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender with some creamy sauce remaining. If it looks too dry, add 1/4 cup more chicken broth.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded chicken and stir to heat it through evenly. The chicken can be added straight from the refrigerator.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely 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 a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use reduced-fat cheese.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or spinach depending on your preference.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but cooked leftover chicken works well too.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, use fully thawed and well-drained frozen broccoli to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Fresh broccoli will give the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cream alternatives, and a vegan cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and creaminess may differ slightly.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 102 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal combining tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli, shredded chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features sautéed aromatics, a rich sauce made with heavy cream and chicken broth, and a flavorful finish with Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a cheesy, savory dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.

• Author: Tim
• 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
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized (about 1-inch pieces, fresh or fully thawed and drained frozen)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat Aromatics: Heat oil and butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
2. Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they turn bright green but retain a crisp texture.
3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast these together for 30 seconds to deepen and enhance the flavors.
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 a simmer.
5. Cook Orzo: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The orzo should cook until tender with a creamy sauce remaining. If the mixture is too dry, add an additional 1/4 cup of broth.
6. Incorporate Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken directly from the refrigerator and stir well to heat it through evenly.
7. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
8. Season and Rest: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick and easy protein addition.
• If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen (thawed and drained) broccoli is a convenient alternative.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
• Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pan.
• This dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Chicken Orzo, Creamy Pasta Dish