Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is a simple one pot meal with tons of flavor. With tender bites of chicken and orzo pasta, lots of healthy broccoli florets, and a lusciously creamy homemade cheese sauce, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Course Entrees

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken and broccoli, chicken casserole, orzo pasta

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 613kcal

Author Wendie

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion diced
3 cups broccoli florets
3 garlic cloves minced
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pound orzo pasta, dried
3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock
1 1/4 cup half and half
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat a large 12 inch skillet on medium high heat and add olive oil. Add the diced onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Add in the broccoli florets and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
Push the broccoli to the side and add the chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and saute just until opaque (it doesn't have to be cooked all the way through)
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir until well combined. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth to the pan and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the half and half into the orzo and stir simmer 2-3 minutes.
Turn the heat off and add in the cheddar and parmesan cheese stir until melted add more salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or even chicken thighs can be used for this recipe.

Always use freshly shredded cheese when making a cheesy sauce. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in an anti-caking agent that prevents it from melting properly.

For a quick shortcut use a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

If you prefer broccoli with more of a bite add the broccoli florets with the chicken stock to simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition