Creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish served in a bowl.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo for Fast Weeknight Dinners

15 janvier 2026 par Chef Hanna Zest

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is built for speed and comfort. It uses pantry orzo, leftover cooked chicken, and quick cooking broccoli so dinner comes together in about 20 to 30 minutes. If you enjoy easy one pot pasta meals, try this as a fast alternative to heavier casseroles like our French onion chicken orzo casserole. Minimal hands on time and one pot to wash make this a real win on busy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is efficient because orzo cooks quickly and acts like rice and pasta at once, soaking up cream and cheese for instant creaminess. Toasting the orzo in olive oil first adds a nutty depth without extra ingredients. Adding broccoli while the orzo simmers saves a steaming step and keeps everything in one pot. Using cooked chicken lets you skip long protein cook times so you can focus on texture and seasoning. The heavy cream and cheddar finish create a luscious sauce that clings to every grain of orzo.

Flavor and Texture

Bright broccoli florets bring a fresh pop and slight crunch against the silky orzo and rich cream. Cheddar gives a sharp, familiar cheese note while the cream smooths and melds flavors. Toasting the orzo adds a gentle nuttiness that keeps the dish from tasting flat. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder lift the profile so it feels homey but not heavy. Overall the dish balances creamy comfort with a fresh green bite.

Ingredients

– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garlic powder (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add orzo and toast lightly until golden.
3. Add enough water to cover the orzo and bring to a simmer.
4. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
5. Stir in shredded chicken, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, mixing until cheese is melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
7. Serve warm.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use pre shredded cheddar and pre cut broccoli to shave minutes off prep time. Leftover rotisserie or baked chicken works great here and keeps the dish moist without extra cooking. If you want a lighter finish, swap half the cream for low fat milk and stir gently until warmed through. For more speedy weeknight wins and flavor hacks, check out this quick 20 minute Mongolian chicken for ideas on using quick cooked proteins and sauces. Keep salt low while the cheese melts then adjust at the end to avoid over salting.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess and avoid drying out. For meal prep, portion into single serve containers and reheat in the microwave at medium power, stirring halfway through. Avoid freezing cream heavy versions as texture can change; instead freeze cooked chicken separately if you plan to assemble later.

Short Closing Note

This recipe is a dependable go to when time is short but you want a satisfying, cheesy dinner. It scales easily and adapts to what you have on hand.

Conclusion

For another take on this easy comfort bowl, compare notes with the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – Modern Honey version which highlights similar timing and ingredient swaps.

FAQ

Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.