Description
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with fresh broccoli florets and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This one-pot recipe blends savory onions and garlic with a creamy broth base, making a perfect side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add and toast orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it evenly with the oil, onions, and garlic. Toast the pasta slightly to deepen its flavor.
- Cook orzo with liquids: Pour in the low-sodium broth and milk mixture, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 8–10 minutes until the orzo is almost tender.
- Add broccoli and finish cooking: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, then continue to cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the orzo is fully cooked and tender, and the broccoli is softened but still bright green.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using for a little heat.
- Serve warm: Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar orzo warm as a delicious side or a wholesome vegetarian main dish.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream when stirring in the cheese.
- To make it a heartier meal, include diced cooked chicken or your preferred protein.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level of the dish.
- Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the pan.
