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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and cook while stirring frequently until slightly tender.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.
- 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