Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar, this dish combines wholesome ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying dinner.

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 and pepper to taste

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas for variation.
• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or small rice-shaped pasta.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain any excess water before adding, or cook a little longer to let the extra moisture evaporate.

Is orzo pasta similar to rice?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. It cooks similarly to rice but has a slightly different texture and is best used in pasta-based dishes like this one.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner combining tender broccoli, shredded chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese with tender orzo pasta in a savory sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s rich, flavorful, and family-friendly.

• Author: Nora
• 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

Fats & Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 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

Pasta & Liquids

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Proteins & Dairy

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

Instructions

1. Heat oil and butter: Warm olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat until melted and hot.
2. Sauté onions: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
4. Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 30 seconds while stirring to enhance flavor.
5. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Cook orzo: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the pasta cook evenly.
7. Add chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and heat through until warm throughout.
8. Stir in cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
9. Season and thicken: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow it to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh or thawed frozen broccoli based on what’s available.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time.
• For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• This recipe can be made milder or sharper by adjusting the type of cheddar cheese used.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, one-pan dinner, creamy orzo, quick chicken dinner, comfort food, stovetop recipe