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 nutritious. 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, creamy flavor that satisfies your cheesy 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 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 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 about 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 helpful suggestions to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly:

• For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
• If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
• This dish can easily be doubled for larger families or meal prep.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible!

How to Serve

Serve your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic option for Toddler Dinner Recipes, as it’s creamy and packed with flavors that even the pickiest of eaters 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.

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 treat!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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

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 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

• 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 and pepper. Cover and let sit for a few minutes.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving.