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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

A creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheesy orzo pasta. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe combines sautéed vegetables with rich cream, chicken broth, and sharp cheddar for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Protein & Cheese

  • 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often to combine with the onions and soften slightly.
  3. Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta, cooking for about 30 seconds to toast the pasta lightly and release the garlic’s aroma.
  4. Simmer with liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has thickened without reducing too much.
  5. Incorporate chicken: Stir the cooked shredded chicken into the pot, allowing it to warm through and evenly distribute.
  6. Melt in the cheese and finish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. If the sauce needs thickening, cover and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own shredded chicken beforehand.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Keep stirring while simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  • Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.
  • Adding soy sauce enhances umami; adjust amount according to taste or dietary restrictions.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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