Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy sharp cheddar with orzo pasta simmered in a rich sauce made from chicken broth and heavy cream. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.
- Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Increase heat until the mixture just begins to boil, then reduce to medium or medium-low heat. Continue cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, letting the orzo cook and absorb the liquid without letting it boil vigorously or reduce too much.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, incorporating it evenly into the mixture.
- Add cheese and season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. If needed, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quick prep or use leftover cooked chicken.
- Adjust the cream amount for a lighter or richer sauce depending on preference.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level while cooking the orzo to prevent it from drying out or sticking.
- Adding Worcestershire sauce contributes a subtle depth of flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
