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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal that combines tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and orzo pasta in a flavorful cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, it blends sautéed onions and garlic with Italian seasoning, simmered in a rich mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, and finished with sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly.
  3. Toast Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma and slightly toast the pasta.
  4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer the Orzo: Let the mixture cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the orzo absorbs the liquid evenly.
  6. Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir thoroughly to heat through.
  7. Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is 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 allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets according to what you have on hand; just thaw the frozen broccoli before adding.
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience but any cooked shredded chicken is fine.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet.
  • Adding Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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