How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious dinner that the whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, a creamy, cheesy delight that comes together in just 30 minutes. This dish is not only a fantastic option for quick family dinners, but it also falls into the category of easy pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Rich and creamy, with a delightful cheesy flavor that kids and adults alike will adore.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli, making it a great choice for Toddler Friendly Meals.
• Versatile enough to use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort.
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, ensuring you have delicious meals ready to go!

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, you will need the following 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/rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo:

1. Add the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Next, toss in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, cooking for about 30 seconds to release those wonderful flavors.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it just starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium or even medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring fairly often. You want it to gently bubble, not furiously boil, to avoid reducing the liquid too much before the pasta is cooked.
5. Once the orzo is tender, stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I tend to be generous with the salt!). If needed, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly:

• For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• If you have picky eaters, you can blend the broccoli into smaller pieces or even puree it into the sauce for a sneaky way to add veggies!
• Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
• This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables you have in the fridge—get creative!

How to Serve

When it comes to serving your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, I love to pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. You can also sprinkle some extra cheddar on top for a cheesy finish. This dish is not only a hit with adults but also makes for a fantastic Toddler Dinner option, as it’s creamy and packed with flavors that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the orzo and veggies, then store them separately from the sauce. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and heat it up! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up if needed.

For more delicious dessert ideas to complement your meal, check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a sweet finish. And if you’re in the mood for something classic, don’t miss my Moist Chocolate Cake recipe!

So there you have it! A delightful, creamy garlic pasta dish that’s perfect for your next weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken and broccoli, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Oil & Butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables

• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cups broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

Pasta

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Liquids & Sauces

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Protein

• 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• to taste N/A salt & pepper

Method

 

1. Add oil, butter, and onion; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add broccoli; cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
3. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo; cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add broth, cream, and Worcestershire; boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in chicken, then melt in cheddar; season with salt and pepper. Cover and let sit for a few minutes.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheddar for best melting results.