Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
778 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo combines sautéed onion and broccoli with garlic and Italian seasonings, cooked together with tender orzo pasta in a mixture of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. The cooked chicken is stirred in near the end, and sharp cheddar cheese is melted off the heat to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables. Broccoli florets soften during cooking, imparting a mild vegetable texture that contrasts with the soft orzo and tender chicken pieces.
The flavor is balanced by the acidity and depth of Worcestershire sauce, along with the savory notes from garlic and the richness of cream and cheddar cheese. The method of gentle simmering prevents the sauce from reducing too much before the orzo is fully cooked, ensuring a creamy consistency. The cheese melts fully off heat to avoid curdling or separation.
This dish can be served as a standalone meal that combines protein, vegetables, and starch in one pot. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it suitable for comforting family dinners. It pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for additional freshness.
If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly or if the broccoli's softness is a concern, the recipe suggests lowering the heat, adding extra broth or cream, or adjusting the timing of broccoli addition to keep it tender-crisp. The recipe serves 4 to 6, depending on portion size and accompaniments.
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 orzo pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken cooked, shredded or rotisserie
- 2 cups cheddar cheese sharp, shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the chicken broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it just starts to boil, reduce the heat (to medium or even medium-low) and continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. It should gently (but steadily) bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked.
- Stir in the chicken.
- Take the pot off the heat, stir in the cheddar until it's completely melted in, and season with salt & pepper (I am fairly generous with the salt). If needed, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to let the sauce thicken.
Notes
- Adjust cooking temperature or add liquid if the orzo absorbs broth too quickly before it is tender.
- Broccoli florets soften during cooking; to keep them slightly firmer, add them later or reduce their initial cooking time.
- The recipe serves 4 to 6, depending on appetite and side dishes.
- Orzo is a type of pasta; rice can be substituted using a similar recipe if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 778 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 778kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 53g | 82% |
| Saturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 186mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 934mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 549mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1839IU | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
| Calcium | 494mg | 49% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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