Description
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the ultimate comfort food packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a cozy easy dinner recipe that works perfectly for busy weeknights, family meals, meal prep, and comforting food ideas when you want something warm and satisfying. With rich cheesy flavor, simple ingredients, and a creamy texture in every bite, this baked chicken orzo casserole quickly becomes a favorite dinner idea everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
7. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
8. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
9. Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and cook while stirring frequently until slightly tender.
10. Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken until evenly combined.
11. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
12. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.
13. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
14. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Shred the cheese fresh from the block for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
Do not overcook the orzo before baking because it will continue softening in the oven.
Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg