why make this recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and delicious dish. It combines tender orzo pasta with creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and tasty chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option since it is filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it a great choice for weeknight cooking.

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:

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until they become soft.
Add broccoli and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta; toast for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add cooked chicken and stir to heat through.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.

how to serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo warm, straight from the skillet. It makes a great main dish and pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

how to store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

To store leftovers, let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw and reheat it properly before serving.

tips to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
If you want a different cheese flavor, try using mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.

variation (if any)

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, you might consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Thaw it before adding it to the dish.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use whole grain orzo and reduce the amount of heavy cream or cheese to make it lighter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Author: pedro
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting dish combining tender orzo pasta with creamy cheese, fresh broccoli, and tasty chicken, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until they become soft.
Add broccoli and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta; toast for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add cooked chicken and stir to heat through.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.