Name: cheesy chicken broccoli orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or thawed frozen; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp; Salt & pepper to taste

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss, look no further than cheesy chicken broccoli orzo. This one-pot wonder delivers everything you crave in a busy weeknight dinner—juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and tender orzo pasta all enveloped in creamy, melty cheddar. Every bite is the perfect balance of cozy, cheesy richness and a hint of freshness from the veggies. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes! Trust me, once you try it, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo will become your top pick for easy, soul-satisfying meals.

cheesy chicken broccoli orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully chosen, ensuring every element brings flavor, texture, or a pop of color to your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo. A handful of fridge and pantry basics are all you need to whip up this family favorite.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for a beautiful base.
Butter: Boosts flavor and gives extra creaminess to the finished dish.
Onion (½ medium, chopped): Brings gentle sweetness and depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the orzo with irresistible aroma and zing.
Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or thawed frozen): Brightens up the dish and adds a satisfying bite.
Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle herby touch.
Orzo pasta (1 cup): These short, rice-shaped pasta pieces cook quickly and soak up all that creamy sauce.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Deepens the savoriness and helps the orzo cook perfectly.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the finished dish rich, smooth, and extra comforting.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds a secret hint of umami that takes the flavor to the next level.
Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for quick prep and juicy texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, preferably sharp): The star ingredient for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Season to perfection just before serving.

How to Make cheesy chicken broccoli orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the onions time to soften and develop that unmistakable savory base that sets the stage for the whole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets straight into the skillet and let them sizzle for about 2 minutes. They’ll begin to turn bright green and get just tender enough—this way, they keep their color and gentle crunch in the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo.

Step 3: Stir in Seasonings and Orzo

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then pour in your orzo pasta. Give everything a good stir so every grain is kissed by the garlicky, herby oil. Toast for just 30 seconds—enough to wake up the flavors and coat the orzo for an even creamier result later.

Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Worcestershire

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, so the orzo absorbs the liquid and everything gets wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Add Chicken

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, breaking up any big pieces as you go. The warmth will reheat the chicken and start marrying all the flavors together.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Finish

Take the skillet off the heat and add your mountain of shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese is entirely melted into silky, cheesy perfection. Taste, season with salt and pepper to your liking, and let the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken before serving.

How to Serve cheesy chicken broccoli orzo

Garnishes

Brighten up each bowl of cheesy chicken broccoli orzo with a sprinkle of extra cheese, a few fresh broccoli florets, or a dusting of chopped parsley. A touch of cracked black pepper or even finely chopped chives gives color and a gourmet finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo with slices of buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete and colorful meal. The creamy pasta plays perfectly off these fresh and crunchy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving cheesy chicken broccoli orzo in individual ramekins topped with a broiled cheddar crust for a dinner-party twist. Or, hollow out roasted bell peppers and fill them with the hot orzo, then bake until bubbly for an impressive entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring cheesy chicken broccoli orzo to an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 3 days—plus, the flavors deepen as they meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces may thicken or change texture slightly upon reheating, but a good stir or splash of milk will bring it back to its cozy best.

Reheating

To reheat cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, warm gently in a pan on medium-low, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring often until evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for cheesy chicken broccoli orzo and saves tons of time. The pre-cooked, seasoned meat blends in easily and stays nice and tender.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk if you’re looking to lighten things up. Just know that the sauce may be a bit less rich but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, or baby spinach make fantastic additions or alternatives to broccoli in cheesy chicken broccoli orzo. Just stir in quick-cooking veggies towards the end to keep their texture.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Frequent stirring is key, especially as the orzo absorbs liquid. Keeping the heat moderate and using enough broth and cream will help the pasta stay creamy rather than sticky.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta. Make sure your chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten free and you’ll have a perfectly comforting cheesy chicken broccoli orzo.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that brings people running to the table, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is calling your name. It’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly satisfying—a true weeknight hero. Try it once and you’ll find yourself making it on repeat, sharing the comfort and joy with everyone you love!