Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the ultimate comfort food packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and fresh broccoli baked until golden and bubbly. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and cozy comfort meals that everyone will love. Loaded with rich cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients, this baked chicken orzo casserole is a satisfying one-pan meal that combines creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and wholesome broccoli into one irresistible dish. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, easy casserole recipes, or comforting food ideas for the family, this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake delivers delicious flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer them to ice water to preserve their color and texture. Drain thoroughly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir the flour into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
7. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
8. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
9. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
10. Add the cooked orzo, chicken, and broccoli into the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
11. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
12. Top with extra cheese if desired and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
13. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a golden cheesy top if preferred.
14. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Cook the orzo just until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after baking so the sauce thickens properly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg