Description

A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
½ medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)

Seasonings

½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Pasta & Liquids

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

Protein & Cheese

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Instructions

Heat oil and butter: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and hot, creating a flavorful base for the vegetables.
Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes to start tenderizing them while keeping their bright green color.
Toast garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir continuously and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and allow the orzo to cook fully.
Incorporate chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, mixing well so the meat heats through evenly.
Melt cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese slowly until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season and thicken: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Use freshly cooked orzo pasta if preferred to reduce cooking time in the skillet.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Frozen broccoli can be used but make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess water.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
To make it Gluten Free, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Cheesy chicken orzo recipe, chicken broccoli orzo, easy creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food with chicken