How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy dinner that your whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. This dish is not only a breeze to make, but it also falls into the category of easy pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can have a comforting meal on the table that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

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 everyone will adore.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli and tender chicken, making it a wholesome choice.
• Versatile enough to adapt for Toddler Friendly Meals or to suit your family’s tastes.
• Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day!

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 dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic pasta dish:

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 10 minutes, stirring fairly often. You want it to gently bubble, not boil furiously!
5. After 10 minutes, stir in the cooked 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 like to be generous with the salt!
7. 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:

• Feel free to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time.
• If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding peas or spinach!
• For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible!

How to Serve

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with:

• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.

It’s also a fantastic option for quick family dinners when you want something hearty yet simple!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if needed. This makes it a great option for weeknight dinner ideas that can be prepped ahead of time!

For longer storage, you can freeze the orzo dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delightful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo tonight! I promise it will become a family favorite, and you’ll be adding it to your list of go-to Toddler Dinner Recipes in no time. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

  

Base

• 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
• to taste salt & pepper

Method

 

1. Heat oil, butter, and onion in a pot over medium-high heat; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
3. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo; cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add broth, cream, and Worcestershire; bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in chicken, then remove from heat and add cheddar; stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, let it sit covered for a few minutes after adding cheese.