Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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 & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to keep the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir well to heat through evenly.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
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

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or substitute with cooked turkey or leftover roasted chicken.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer a milder cheese.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
• For a veggie boost, toss in some chopped spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw it before adding to the skillet so it cooks evenly with the other ingredients.

Is orzo interchangeable with other pasta?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small elbows, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 131 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta all cooked together in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning adds vibrant flavor to this hearty dish.

• Author: Logan
• 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

Vegetables

• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)

Dairy & Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Pantry & Seasonings

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste

Protein

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)

Instructions

1. Heat oil and butter: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat to get a flavorful base for sautéing.
2. Sauté onions: Add ½ medium chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook broccoli: Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
4. Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Mix in 3 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 cup orzo pasta, toasting everything together for about 30 seconds to release the garlic aroma.
5. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Cook orzo: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
7. Add chicken: Stir in 2 cups cooked shredded chicken and heat through for a few minutes.
8. Incorporate cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
9. Season and thicken: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets; if frozen, thaw before cooking.
• Stir frequently during simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the pan.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers reheat well in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken, but any cooked shredded chicken works.

Keywords: Cheesy chicken orzo, broccoli orzo skillet, creamy chicken pasta, one pan chicken recipe, quick dinner ideas