Description
A quick and comforting one-skillet meal featuring tender orzo, bright broccoli, shredded rotisserie chicken, and sharp cheddar melted into a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ medium onion, chopped (about ¼–⅓ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen), cut into small, bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 6–7 oz)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter foams.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to keep them slightly crisp.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Toast the orzo for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- If needed, simmer for another 1–2 minutes and test for doneness.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and the sauce is silky. Season with salt and pepper, then let rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Notes
For a lower-fat option, swap half-and-half for heavy cream. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with white beans or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, broccoli, orzo, one-skillet meal, cheesy