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 ideal for 30-minute meals.
• Rich and creamy, with a delightful cheesy flavor that everyone will adore.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli, making it a great option for Toddler Friendly Meals.
• Perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!

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 delicious 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 furiously boil, to avoid reducing the liquid too much before the pasta is cooked.
5. After 10 minutes, stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Remove the pot from 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 helpful suggestions to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like spinach or peas if your family prefers.
• If you have a Toddler Picky Eater, consider blending the broccoli into smaller pieces or even pureeing it into the sauce for a sneaky way to add nutrition!
• For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Make sure to stir often while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is best served warm, straight from the pot! You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or some fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic option for weeknight dinner ideas that the whole family will enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the orzo and veggies in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything in a pot 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 those who love to indulge their sweet tooth after dinner, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a delightful dessert to complete your meal!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s a fantastic way to make easy toddler meals that everyone can enjoy. Happy cooking!