Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, wholesome broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This easy dinner recipe comes together in one baking dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and cozy comfort meals. Every bite is loaded with creamy, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture, creating a hearty dish everyone will want seconds of. If you are searching for easy dinner ideas, quick family meals, cheesy pasta bakes, or comforting casserole recipes, this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake delivers everything you need. The rich homemade sauce, golden melted cheese, and flavorful chicken make this recipe both simple and impressive for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 slightly underdone according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Melt the butter in the skillet and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
7. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
8. Stir in Italian seasoning, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
9. Add the broccoli florets to the sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Stir the cooked orzo and chicken into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
11. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
12. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the top if desired.
13. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.
14. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce than packaged shredded cheese.
Slightly undercook the orzo before baking so it does not become overly soft in the oven.
Allow the casserole to rest after baking so the creamy sauce thickens properly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, cheesy orzo bake, chicken broccoli pasta bake, easy dinner recipe, comfort food casserole, one pan dinner, cheesy chicken bake, family dinner ideas