Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk or cream; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy grilled chicken strips, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo come together in a rich cheese sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s wholesome, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that cozy, satisfying feel of a classic comfort meal. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in veggies like broccoli, and because orzo cooks fast, I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. The cheesy sauce pulls everything together, making it kid-friendly and a frequent go-to dinner in my home.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast, sliced into strips
Orzo pasta
Fresh broccoli florets
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Milk or cream
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I cook the chicken strips until they’re golden and fully cooked, then set them aside.
In the same skillet, I add more oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I stir in the orzo, letting it toast slightly for extra flavor, then pour in the chicken broth and milk.
Once the liquid comes to a simmer, I add the broccoli and cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
I reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
I return the chicken to the pan, mix everything gently, and let it warm through.
I finish it off with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. That includes prep, cooking the chicken, and melting all that delicious cheese into the orzo.

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I swap the chicken for leftover rotisserie or even turkey. Sometimes I add mushrooms or baby spinach for extra veggies, or switch the cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if I’m in the mood for some heat.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It keeps the dish from drying out and brings back the creamy texture.

FAQs

What can I use instead of orzo?

I sometimes use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if I’m out of orzo. Cooking time may vary slightly, but the results are still delicious.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I’ve used frozen broccoli in a pinch. I just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

I’ve made it dairy-free using plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. The texture changes a bit, but it still tastes great.

How do I know when the orzo is done?

I check the orzo by tasting it—it should be tender but not mushy. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes of simmering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make this a few hours ahead and reheat it before serving. It reheats well with a bit of milk to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and full of balanced ingredients that make dinner feel effortless. Whether I’m feeding my family or just cooking for myself, this dish is always a win.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A creamy and comforting one-pan meal made with juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich cheese sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken strips until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the skillet if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast for a minute, then pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the broccoli, and cook while stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green (about 10–12 minutes).
Reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it heat through.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.