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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese mixed with tender orzo pasta. Cooked on the stovetop in a rich sauce made from chicken broth and cream, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick yet hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and soften the broccoli slightly.
  3. Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to toast the pasta lightly.
  4. Simmer Liquids and Cook Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Let it gently simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring fairly often to prevent sticking. The orzo should cook fully while the sauce thickens without boiling vigorously.
  5. Incorporate Chicken: Stir the shredded chicken into the pot, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Melt Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, cover the pot and let it sit a few minutes off heat to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook and shred your own chicken breast.
  • Adjust the consistency by letting the mixture sit covered off the heat if it’s too runny.
  • Substitute sharp cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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