Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a delicious and hearty meal. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese with orzo pasta for a comforting meal that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onions for 3–4 minutes until they soften.
3. Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta; toast for about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
7. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to heat through.
8. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread, making it perfect for a complete meal.

How to Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

To store leftovers, let the orzo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

• For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• You can replace broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or even bell peppers.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by adding different proteins such as shrimp or turkey, or by using other cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just make sure to thaw it before using.

How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do make it ahead, you may need to add a little broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A delicious blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese mixed with orzo pasta for a comforting family meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cooking fats

• 1 tbsp olive oil Used for sautéing.
• 1 tbsp butter Adds richness.

Vegetables

• 0.5 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen) Can use fresh or thawed frozen.

Seasonings

• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
• to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference.

Pasta and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth Use homemade for more flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with low-fat cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Protein and Cheese

• 2 cups cooked (shredded) chicken (e.g., rotisserie) Can use pre-cooked chicken.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp) Optional to use mozzarella or gouda.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onions for 3–4 minutes until they soften.
3. Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta; toast for about 30 seconds.

Cooking

1. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
3. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to heat through.
4. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.