Print

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/