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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 12 reviews

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente orzo pasta in a rich cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering hearty flavors with minimal prep and cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)

Dry Goods

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Proteins & Dairy

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while retaining a bit of crunch.
  3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the orzo pasta. Toast the orzo by stirring for about 30 seconds to enhance its nutty flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to allow the orzo to absorb the liquid.
  5. Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, mixing well to heat the chicken through evenly.
  6. Add Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is thoroughly melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Thicken and Serve: Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat to thicken before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used. If using frozen, thaw before cooking for best texture.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut but any cooked shredded chicken will work.
  • Stir regularly while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, one pot meal, comfort food, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/