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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and bite-sized orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a rich, savory taste that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Starches & Proteins

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: In a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, butter, and chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pot and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the orzo lightly and release the garlic’s aroma.
  4. Simmer in Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture just starts to boil, reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often. The liquid should gently bubble and the orzo will absorb the flavors and cook through without boiling vigorously or reducing too much.
  5. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken to warm it through and combine with the orzo and vegetables.
  6. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Broccoli can be swapped with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic.
  • Reserve a little chicken broth to adjust consistency if the dish becomes too thick after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken orzo, broccoli orzo recipe, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot dinner, easy chicken recipes

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