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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce with tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

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)

Pasta & Liquids

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

Proteins & Dairy

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Seasonings

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly but remain vibrant and crisp.
  3. Toast orzo with garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the orzo pasta. Toast everything together for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma and evenly coat the orzo.
  4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  5. Cook orzo: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking and to help it cook thoroughly, absorbing the flavors.
  6. Add shredded chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and heat through, allowing it to warm evenly in the sauce.
  7. Incorporate cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
  8. Season and thicken: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • Fresh broccoli can be substituted with frozen, just thaw first.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less rich.
  • Cheddar cheese can be swapped for a milder cheese like mozzarella if preferred.
  • Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan chicken dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, orzo pasta recipe

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