How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy dish that the whole family will love? I’m excited to share my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, a delightful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! This is one of my favorite easy pasta recipes that not only satisfies my cravings but also makes for a quick family dinner that everyone can enjoy. Let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and creamy, with a delightful cheesy flavor that kids adore.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli and tender chicken, making it a wholesome meal.
• Versatile enough to adapt for picky eaters or to include your favorite veggies.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a fantastic option for 30-minute meals.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, you’ll 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 own 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 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! If needed, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.

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 a Toddler Picky Eater, try blending the broccoli into smaller pieces or even pureeing it into the sauce for a smoother texture.
• Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
• Make sure to stir often while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• This dish is also a great way to use up leftover veggies you have in the fridge!

How to Serve

Serving this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a breeze! Here are some ideas:

• Serve it warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs.
• Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• This dish also makes a fantastic lunch the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
• If you’re looking for more dessert ideas to follow this meal, check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a sweet finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
• You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

So there you have it! A delightful, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy making this creamy garlic pasta as much as I do. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of weeknight dinner ideas and a surefire hit with the family. 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 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.

Notes

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