Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup orzo pasta; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, melty cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying dinner when I’m craving something indulgent yet balanced. Whether it’s for family dinner or an easy weeknight fix, this dish is a winner every time!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Swap out the chicken: If I’m in the mood for something different, I can replace the chicken with shrimp or even ground turkey for a change in flavor and texture.

Make it a veggie dish: For a vegetarian version, I can omit the chicken and load up on extra broccoli or add in some mushrooms, spinach, or peas.

Spice it up: I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. If I enjoy a spicier kick, I can also toss in a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onion and garlic.

Use different cheese: I can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storing leftovers: I can store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or I can warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, I can use a plant-based milk alternative like almond or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. I can also swap the cheese for dairy-free cheese options available at most grocery stores.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! If I don’t have orzo on hand, I can substitute it with any small pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta I use.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! I can prepare the dish in advance, then refrigerate it. When I’m ready to eat, I can reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid if necessary.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. I can portion it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, and I can easily reheat it for lunch or dinner during the week.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo?

While I can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may not be as creamy after thawing. If I decide to freeze it, I can store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months and reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to help restore the creaminess.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the perfect balance of creamy, comforting, and flavorful, all in one skillet. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish I always look forward to making and sharing. Whether I’m preparing a quick weeknight meal or making something special for a cozy dinner, this recipe always satisfies. And with the versatility to make it my own, it’s a meal I can customize to suit any craving.

Recipe:

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.