Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Sauté onions: Add ½ medium chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook broccoli: Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add chicken: Stir in 2 cups cooked shredded chicken and heat through for a few minutes.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- 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
