Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe is delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo pasta, savory rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
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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