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! This delightful meal is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it one of my favorite 30-minute meals. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a fantastic option for quick family dinners and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and creamy, with a cheesy flavor that everyone will adore.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli and tender chicken, making it a wholesome choice.
• Versatile enough to adapt for picky eaters or to include your favorite veggies.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a smart choice for easy pasta recipes.

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 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 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 like 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:

• 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 dining experience with a few simple sides:

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting touch.
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water makes for a lovely accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas that can be prepped in advance, this recipe is perfect! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delightful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo! It’s a fantastic option for Toddler Friendly Meals and a surefire hit for Toddler Dinner Recipes. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your little ones to healthy eating without the fuss. Enjoy!

And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a delightful treat!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and flavorful seasonings, 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

  

Oil & Butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables & Pasta

• 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 none salt & pepper

Method

 

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

Notes

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