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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked chicken, diced - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. Start with orzo pasta, a small rice-shaped pasta. Next, you need chicken broth. It adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Fresh broccoli florets bring color and nutrition. Use cooked chicken for quick prep. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives that creamy, cheesy taste. Cream cheese adds richness and smoothness. Spices like garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but this is optional. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season the dish. Finally, olive oil adds a touch of healthy fat. Fresh parsley makes for a nice garnish. With this list, you're ready to create a comforting meal that warms the heart. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by bringing two cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. This adds great flavor to your orzo. 2. Once boiling, add one cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. 3. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add one cup of broccoli florets to the pot. This makes the broccoli tender and bright green. 1. After cooking, drain any extra liquid from the pot. Return the orzo and broccoli back to the pot. 2. Now, add one cup of diced cooked chicken, one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and half a cup of softened cream cheese. 3. Also, mix in two tablespoons of olive oil, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you want some heat. Stir all the ingredients well to combine. 1. Heat the mixture over low heat for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and everything to warm up nicely. 2. Stir frequently during this time to make sure the cheese melts evenly. 3. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving. To keep orzo from sticking, stir it often while cooking. This helps it stay separate and fluffy. Use a large pot with plenty of water. For broccoli, add it in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright and tender. It should still have a nice crunch. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Start with salt and pepper, then add garlic powder and onion powder. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, like parsley, brighten the dish. They add a pop of color and flavor. For a nice presentation, serve the orzo in bowls. Top with extra cheese and chopped parsley. A dash of chili flakes adds color and spice. Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread. If you enjoy wine, a crisp white complements the flavors well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen. Make sure to cut it into small, even florets for quicker cooking. Cook Orzo Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile. Add Protein Variations: This recipe is versatile; you can substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or turkey for a different twist, or even add beans for a vegetarian option. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the orzo pasta. Try using other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. These substitutes work well and still hold the creamy sauce. For cheese, sharp cheddar is great, but feel free to mix it up. Colby jack or mozzarella add a nice twist. You can even blend different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. To boost nutrition, add more veggies! Spinach and bell peppers bring color and taste. Just toss them in when you add the broccoli, and let them cook until tender. This dish can be a one-pot meal. It saves time and makes cleanup easy. You can add any vegetables you like, and it will still taste fantastic. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo or use rice. These options give you the same creamy comfort without the gluten. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and cream. Coconut cream can replace the cream cheese. It keeps the dish rich and tasty. Adjust seasonings to match your taste, and enjoy! Store your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing it tightly. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To refresh the flavors, sprinkle some extra cheese on top while reheating. You can also add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. This will enhance the taste and make it feel fresh again. Enjoy your warm and cheesy comfort food! Yes, you can make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to keep it creamy. Yes, this dish freezes well! After cooking, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove with a little chicken broth, stirring often. If you don't have orzo, you can use other small pasta types. Good options include ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Most small pasta cooks in about 8 to 12 minutes. This blog post covered a delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned to cook orzo and combine it with chicken, cheese, and broccoli for great flavor. The blog also shared ways to adapt the recipe, enhance the taste, and store leftovers properly. Enjoy making this creamy dish with your own twist. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A creamy and cheesy dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking the orzo, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cook until tender and bright green.
  • Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, drain any excess liquid and return the mixture to the pot.
  • Add the diced cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  • Cook over low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowls garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese.
Keyword broccoli, cheesy, chicken, orzo, pasta