Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the kind of easy dinner that makes everyone hurry to the table. This creamy chicken casserole is packed with tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, broccoli, and plenty of melted cheese baked into one cozy dish. It is a perfect easy recipe for busy weeknights, comforting family dinners, meal prep, and satisfying food ideas when you need quick dinner inspiration that still feels homemade and special.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup uncooked orzo
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the orzo and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is almost tender.
6. Stir in the broccoli and diced chicken. Cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Add the cream cheese, 3/4 cup cheddar, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly and lightly golden on top.
10. Rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to make this bake even faster on a busy night.
If the casserole thickens too much after baking or reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo bake, chicken broccoli orzo casserole, easy dinner, creamy chicken casserole, baked orzo recipe, family dinner, comfort food