Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy, and cheesy 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 fantastic option for quick family dinners, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
- Rich and creamy flavor that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- Packed with nutritious broccoli and tender chicken.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Kid-friendly and great for Toddler Friendly Meals.
Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, 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
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo:
- 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.
- Next, toss in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, cooking for about 30 seconds to release those wonderful flavors.
- Now, add 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 boil furiously!
- After 10 minutes, stir in the cooked shredded chicken.
- 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 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 leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like spinach or peas if your family prefers.
- This recipe is also a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
How to Serve
When it comes to serving this delightful dish, 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 perfect for family dinners, and it’s sure to impress your guests if you’re entertaining. Plus, it’s a great option for Toddler Dinner Recipes since it’s creamy and packed with flavors that kids love!
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! For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if needed.
So there you have it! A delicious, creamy, and cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy making this creamy garlic pasta dish as much as I do. 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 dessert! Happy cooking!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Add oil, butter, and onion; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo; cook for 30 seconds.
- Add broth, cream, and Worcestershire; boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chicken, then melt in cheddar; season with salt and pepper. Cover and let sit for a few minutes.