How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that the 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 creamy and cheesy but also comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Loaded with cheesy goodness that kids and adults alike will adore.
• Incorporates healthy broccoli, making it a great option for Toddler Friendly Meals.
• One-pot dish means less cleanup—yay!
• Versatile enough to adapt for picky eaters or to add your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious creamy garlic pasta, 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 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 allow the sauce to thicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy pasta recipes turn 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 veggie boost!
• For a little extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a delicious depth of flavor.

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.
• Steamed vegetables for an extra dose of nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking to prep ahead, this dish can be made in advance! Here’s how:

• Store any 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.
• This dish also freezes well! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge 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 Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo 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 perfect finish to your meal. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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

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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 and butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

vegetables

• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)

broccoli

• 2 cups broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)

garlic and seasonings

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

pasta

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

liquids and sauces

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

protein

• 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken

cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• to taste N/A 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 & pepper. Cover and let sit for a few minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with additional cheese or herbs before serving.