Description
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the kind of easy dinner that feels extra comforting after a busy day. Packed with tender chicken, broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and soft orzo, it is a family-friendly casserole that works as a quick dinner, easy recipe, and one of those dependable food ideas you will want to make again for cozy weeknights and satisfying dinner ideas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dry orzo
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups broccoli florets, cut small
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until lightly golden and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, then whisk in the cream cheese until smooth.
6. Stir in the dry orzo, then add the broccoli, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
7. Fold the cooked chicken back into the mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
11. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use small broccoli florets so they cook evenly and stay tender in the bake.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the creamy sauce can thicken slightly.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers to keep the orzo creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg