Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar, it combines wholesome ingredients into a flavorful dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets and cook another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the pasta slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often, allowing the orzo to cook and the sauce to thicken gently.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded chicken until heated through.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season generously with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Try swapping sharp cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the dish feels too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, pastina, or small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add beans or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 715 reviews

A creamy and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and cheesy orzo pasta. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo combines savory flavors with a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Amy
• 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 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the orzo lightly and release the garlic aroma.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture just to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. The mixture should gently bubble without boiling over, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the liquid.
5. Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine and reheat the chicken through.
6. Melt Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Rest and Thicken: If needed, cover the pot and let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• To make it lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Make sure not to over-boil the mixture to avoid the sauce reducing too much before the orzo cooks properly.
• Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch—just add it a bit earlier in the cooking process.

Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, one pot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, cheesy orzo recipe