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 go-to easy pasta recipes for busy weeknights, and I promise it will become a favorite in your household too. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for satisfying even the pickiest of eaters!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for 30-minute meals.
• Rich and creamy, with a delightful garlic flavor that everyone will adore.
• Perfect for quick family dinners that don’t skimp on taste.
• Great way to sneak in some veggies for your little ones!
• Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.

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 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 10 minutes, stirring fairly often. You want it to gently bubble, not boil furiously!
5. After 10 minutes, stir in the 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 Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time.
• If you want to add more veggies, consider including peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible!
• This dish is also a great option for Toddler Friendly Meals, as it’s creamy and packed with flavors that kids love.

How to Serve

Serve your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs if you like. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is also perfect for weeknight dinner ideas when you want something comforting yet quick!

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.

For those of you with Toddler Picky Eater challenges, this dish is a great way to introduce new flavors and textures. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, making it a hit for Picky Toddler Meals!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delightful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo together! 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 dessert to round off your meal!

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.