Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights
Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe!
This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo pasta, savory rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love It
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. It’s made all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Plus, it’s a meal-in-one with pasta, protein, and a healthy serving of veggies. Kids and picky eaters will love the classic combination of broccoli and cheddar, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
Inspired by my Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe, this orzo version is just as delicious and even easier to make.
It’s a 30-minute meal designed for busy weeknights, using convenient rotisserie chicken to save time.
What You’ll Need
- Olive oil and butter: For sautéing
- Onion and garlic: I prefer sweet (Vidalia) onions for their mild flavor
- Broccoli: An easy way to add greens to your meal
- Italian seasoning: A handy blend of dried herbs
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta can be found in the pasta aisle
- Chicken broth: The base of the sauce
- Heavy cream: To make it rich and creamy
- Worcestershire sauce: For added savory flavor
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor; grate your own for easier melting
Helpful Tips
- Liquid Adjustment: Orzo soaks up liquid quickly, so add more if needed. If there’s too much liquid, cook it a little longer or let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes.
- Browning Onions: The onion will lightly brown with the suggested cook times and temperature, adding more flavor to the dish.
- Seasoning: Be sure to add enough salt to enhance the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Add the onions and sauté for a few minutes until lightly browned.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli and cook for another couple of minutes.
- Season and Add Orzo: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour in Liquids: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced.
- Stir in Chicken and Cheese: Add the rotisserie chicken, then remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until melted. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Veggie Swap: Use spinach instead of broccoli. Add the spinach at the same time as the chicken.
- Cream Substitute: Be cautious with lower-fat substitutes for the cream, as they may affect the sauce’s thickness.
Tools for This Recipe
Check out my favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- Cheese Grater: This is the grater I use for the cheddar cheese.
- Dutch Oven: I make my one-pot pastas in this Le Creuset Dutch oven.
- Cooking Spoon: This is my favorite cooking spoon.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Orzo
Pair this dish with an Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread or garlic knots. Fresh crusty bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping also works well.
If you’re craving a salad, this Olive Garden Style Italian Dressing is simple to make and adds a zesty, flavorful complement.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth since the orzo will soak it up. I don’t recommend freezing cooked pasta or dairy-based sauces.
If you made this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, please leave a comment and share with your friends! Ask me any questions not answered above. Save and pin if you made it!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion
- 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
Instructions
- In a pot over medium-high heat, combine the oil, butter, and onion. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it begins to boil, lower the heat to medium or medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring regularly. The mixture should simmer gently but steadily, avoiding too much reduction before the pasta is cooked.
- Add the chicken and stir.
- Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the cheddar until fully melted, and season with salt and pepper (be generous with the salt). If necessary, cover the pot and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken."
Notes
- Troubleshooting advice: If the pasta absorbs the liquid too quickly (before the orzo is fully cooked), reduce the heat and/or add a bit more broth or cream. If there is too much liquid, cover the pot for a few minutes before serving, and the orzo will absorb it rapidly.
- The broccoli will become quite soft in this recipe if the florets are cut small. If you prefer it slightly firmer (but still tender), skip the 2 minutes of cooking in step 2. You could even add it partway through step 4 if you prefer crispier broccoli. If you choose this method, you might want to sauté the onion for a bit longer until it is lightly browned.
- Serves 4-6, depending on portion sizes and accompanying dishes.
- Orzo is a type of pasta. If you prefer to use rice, consider trying the similar Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe.
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