How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. This dish is not only creamy and flavorful, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
• Rich and creamy, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Packed with nutritious broccoli and protein-rich chicken.
• Perfect for picky eaters—who can resist cheesy goodness?
• Great for meal prep and leftovers!

Ingredients

To make this delightful creamy garlic pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cups broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
• 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/rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo:

1. Add the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Next, toss in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, cooking for about 30 seconds to release those wonderful flavors.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it just starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium or even medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring fairly often. You want it to gently bubble, not boil furiously!
5. After 10 minutes, stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to be generous with the salt! If needed, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly:

• For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken—it’s a real time-saver!
• Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Make sure to stir often while cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• This dish is also great for meal prep—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge!

How to Serve

This 30-minute meal is best served warm, straight from the pot! I love to garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese for that extra touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic option for Toddler Friendly Meals, as the creamy texture and cheesy flavor are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much. This is one of those weeknight dinner ideas that you can easily make in advance, making your evenings a little less hectic!

And if you’re looking for more healthy options for your little ones, check out my Green Goddess Juice or Green Detox Juice for some nutritious drinks that pair perfectly with this meal!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo together! I promise it will become a family favorite in no time!