If you crave creamy, cheesy comfort in just 20 minutes, let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo. This dish brings together tender orzo, fresh broccoli florets, and a dreamy blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, all simmered in a single pan for rich flavor without the mess. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save for busy evenings or when you need a crowd-pleasing side that comes together almost effortlessly. Plus, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo delivers a colorful mix of green and gold that’s both beautiful and satisfying—so, why not treat yourself tonight?
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish so irresistible is its lineup of simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients, each adding a special note to the symphony of flavors. Every component—from the humble orzo to the cozy cloud of cheese—serves a delicious purpose in this all-in-one creation.
- Olive oil: Brings a subtle richness and helps the garlic bloom at the start—don’t skip this step!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the orzo its irresistible aromatic foundation.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and turns deliciously creamy in a one-pot setting.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor as the orzo simmers, making every bite extra savory.
- Broccoli florets: Finely chopped so they turn tender and vibrant, merging beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps all the flavors pop—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: A touch of warmth to balance the creamy cheese and smooth pasta.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and gives a gentle sweet undertone.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the cheese blend, bringing a punchy, tangy meltiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty kick and enhances the overall creaminess.
- Milk or heavy cream: The finishing touch for ultimate silkiness—use heavy cream if you want extra decadence!
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. The garlic should become wonderfully fragrant without turning brown; this sets a flavorful base for your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo and fills your kitchen with that unmistakable inviting aroma.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Next, stir in the orzo pasta. Give it a minute or two to toast lightly in the garlicky oil. This not only bumps up the flavor, but also helps the pasta keep a bit of texture as it cooks. Don’t be afraid to let a few grains turn golden—just keep stirring so nothing sticks!
Step 3: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the broth of your choice and crank up the heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and give everything a good stir. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, taking care to stir occasionally so the orzo won’t stick. At this stage, the pasta absorbs all that brothy goodness, building richness layer by layer.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Spices
Now toss in your finely chopped broccoli florets, along with the salt, pepper, and onion powder. Continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes—just until the orzo is perfectly tender and the broccoli has turned bright green and soft. Most of the liquid should be absorbed at this point, giving you a thick, hearty base for your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Cream
Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and milk or cream. Watch as the cheeses melt luxuriously into the orzo, creating a creamy sauce that clings to every grain and piece of broccoli. Keep stirring until everything’s combined and irresistibly creamy—then dive in!
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Garnishes
Time to add the finishing touches! A shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh-cracked black pepper, or even a touch of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives will make your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo look as good as it tastes. Feeling bold? Give it a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick!
Side Dishes
While this satisfying orzo can certainly shine solo, it works wonderfully alongside a simple green salad, juicy roasted chicken, or crispy baked tofu. The creamy texture also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or stuff it into roasted bell peppers as an eye-catching vegetarian main. You can even use leftovers as a filling for creamy baked casseroles—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Scoop any leftover One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo into an airtight container as soon as it cools. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or saving a serving for lunch the next day. If the orzo absorbs some sauce while chilling, don’t worry—just add a splash of milk when you reheat.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Once it’s totally cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, label it, and stash it away for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain the best pasta texture.
Reheating
To revive your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or broth to loosen it up. If you’re microwaving, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the pan. This helps keep the One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo from turning watery while still preserving the vibrant green color and the tender texture you want.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the dish its signature flavor, but you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even smoked provolone for a twist. A touch of Parmesan adds nuttiness and saltiness that’s tough to beat.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute the orzo with your favorite gluten-free pasta—ideally a small shape that will cook similarly. Keep an eye on the liquid, as gluten-free pasta can absorb it a little differently.
Can I add protein to this dish?
For extra heartiness, toss in cooked diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or browned sausage right before adding the cheese and milk. This turns One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo from a side into a satisfying main course.
Is milk or cream better for the sauce?
Both work wonderfully, but cream gives you a richer, silkier finish. If you prefer a lighter dish, use milk, or try half-and-half for something in between. Just be sure to add it off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo tops my comfort food list—every bite is creamy, cheesy bliss and the easy cleanup is just a bonus. If you’re after a dish that hits all the cozy notes but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, give this recipe a try. I hope it finds a regular spot on your table and brings those happy, “How did I make something this good so fast?” moments into your week!
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One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Creamy orzo pasta cooked with broccoli and a blend of cheeses, this dish is a comforting and satisfying option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped broccoli, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and milk or cream until creamy and smooth. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain it before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
