Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A quick and creamy one-pot pasta dish made with orzo, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese—perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

1 tbsp Olive Oil A healthy fat that adds flavor to the dish.
1 tbsp Butter For richness and depth of flavor.
½ medium Onion (chopped) Provides sweetness and aromatic flavor.
3 cloves Garlic (minced) Enhances the overall taste with its robust aroma.
2 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh or thawed frozen) Adds color, nutrition, and crunch.
½ tsp Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs to enhance flavor complexity.
1 cup Orzo Pasta The star ingredient that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
2 cups Chicken Broth Provides moisture and savory depth to the dish.
1 cup Heavy Cream Ensures a rich and creamy texture.
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce Adds a hint of umami flavor.
2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken (e.g., rotisserie) A time-saver that contributes protein to the meal.
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (preferably sharp) Melts beautifully into the sauce for creaminess and flavor.
to taste Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.

Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Once the onions are ready, add in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while maintaining their vibrant color.
Stir in minced garlic along with Italian seasoning and orzo pasta, toasting it all together for about 30 seconds until aromatic, which helps deepen the flavors.
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce; bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer gently while stirring frequently.
After about 10 minutes of cooking uncovered, add cooked shredded chicken into the pot, stirring well until heated through and combined evenly with other ingredients.
Remove from heat before stirring in shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely; season with salt and pepper as desired then let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving warm.

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

Let us know how it was!