Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you are anything like me and adore meals that combine comfort, nutrition, and scrumptious flavors all in one, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe. This delightful dish brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. Every bite is bursting with cheesy goodness and a lovely balance of textures that make it an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for guests. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side photos show a white heavy pot with green handles on a white marbled surface. The left photo has a base layer of finely chopped light yellow onions, topped with bright green broccoli florets spread evenly. The right photo shows the same pot, now with the same onion layer at the bottom, broccoli florets around the sides, a middle layer of small, uncooked yellow orzo pasta covering much of the top, and a small pile of minced garlic near the bottom right of the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in creating its irresistible taste and comforting texture. Every element—from the sharp cheddar to the fresh broccoli—adds color, depth, and flavor, making sure every spoonful is packed with goodness.

Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base and helps sauté the vegetables without overpowering their flavors.
Butter: Adds a rich, velvety taste that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that rounds out the dish.
Broccoli: Offers a vibrant green color and tender crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy orzo.
Garlic: Infuses the whole dish with warmth and a savory punch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives a fragrant, Mediterranean flair.
Orzo pasta: The star carbohydrate providing a delicate, rice-like texture to soak up the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth while cooking the orzo, enhancing every bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich without overwhelming the palate.
Worcestershire sauce: A clever secret that adds a subtle umami and a touch of complexity.
Cooked shredded chicken: Protein-packed and tender, holding the dish together wonderfully.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey bliss, delivering the essential cheesy punch.
Salt & pepper: To taste, enhancing all the fresh ingredients and balancing the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step lays the flavor foundation, bringing sweetness and warmth to the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli Just Right

Add broccoli florets into the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This keeps the broccoli tender but still crisp, delivering a perfect texture contrast that elevates the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the orzo pasta. Let them cook together for around 30 seconds to toast the pasta lightly and let those fragrant herbs and garlic bloom, giving the dish a delicious aroma.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo in Creamy Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture just reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium or medium-low and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking and to make sure the orzo cooks evenly in the luscious broth without the liquid reducing too much too quickly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Mix in the shredded chicken, letting it warm through and absorb the creamy flavors. This makes the dish hearty and protein-packed, turning it into a satisfying meal.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, cheesy sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. If the sauce needs to thicken a little more, cover the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. This finishing touch is what makes the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe truly shine.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy dish that has three main layers: shredded light beige chicken pieces, small bright green broccoli florets, and creamy, pale yellow orzo pasta mixed together. The sauce looks smooth and thick, coating all the ingredients evenly with a slight shine. The bowl is resting on a white marbled surface, and a gold and white spoon is partially dipped into the bowl, lifting some of the creamy orzo, chicken, and broccoli. The colors are warm and fresh, with visible bits of black pepper and small green herbs scattered on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a little extra shredded cheddar, or even a zest of lemon brightens the dish and adds a lovely fresh note that contrasts the creamy richness. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a stimulating hint of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads such as a simple arugula or mixed greens salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect to scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe in charming individual bowls topped with a crisp broccoli floret for color, or transfer it to an attractive casserole dish for casual family-style dining. You can even stuff it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation that impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavors, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Though the texture of broccoli may soften a bit, the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive its creamy consistency. Stir frequently and heat gently to prevent the cheese from separating. Alternatively, microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through evenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding to the pot to keep the dish from becoming watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra mushrooms or beans can boost the protein and keep the dish hearty.

What can I substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?

For different flavor profiles, try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella. Each melts beautifully and adds its own character to this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?

Definitely. The flavors meld even more beautifully after sitting, so it’s a great dish to prepare ahead. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta shapes or even riced cauliflower for a low-carb twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a dish that feels like it was made just for you, full of creamy, cheesy love—and this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe does exactly that. It’s one of those meals that comforts your soul, brings joy to the table, and is surprisingly easy to make. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, put on some music, and give this recipe a go. I promise it’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen rotation as it has in mine!