If you’re craving pure comfort but don’t want a mountain of dishes at the end of the night, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is about to become your new weeknight hero! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender orzo and broccoli, it’s a dish that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. Every bite is loaded with gooey cheese, pops of green, and a cozy richness that makes you want another spoonful. Plus, it all comes together seamlessly in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or when you just need that soothing bowl of goodness in a hurry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is in how basic ingredients become so much more than the sum of their parts. Each element brings its own personality, helping to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and a cheerful pop of color to your dinner table.
- Olive oil: A bit of olive oil sets a flavorful and smooth base for sautéing the garlic and orzo.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic wakes up the whole dish with its irresistible aroma.
- Orzo pasta: These tiny rice-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for absorbing broth and cheese, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Use the broth you love for depth—each will impart its own savory notes.
- Broccoli florets: Chopped small, the broccoli blends into the orzo for perfect, bright-green bites in every forkful.
- Salt: A half teaspoon is just enough to enhance every flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance out the richness.
- Onion powder: This secret ingredient gives subtle sweetness and body.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings creamy meltiness and tang that stands up to the broccoli.
- Parmesan cheese: Just a sprinkle for a nutty, salty edge on every bite.
- Milk or heavy cream: The touch that brings it all together—choose cream for extra indulgence, or milk for a lighter twist.
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by grabbing your favorite large skillet or saucepan. Heating olive oil over medium gets everything going with a gentle sizzle, then tossing in minced garlic fills your kitchen with an instantly comforting aroma. Give the garlic a quick minute to become fragrant—there’s nothing quite like that first whiff to get your appetite going!
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo right into the skillet and let it toast for a minute or two, stirring often. This simple step unlocks a nutty flavor in the pasta and helps ensure that irresistible, slightly chewy texture that One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is known for.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Bring it up to a boil, then reduce the heat so it’s barely simmering. Let the orzo cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s during this time that the pasta soaks up the flavorful broth and begins to plump perfectly.
Step 4: Stir in Broccoli and Seasonings
Add the finely chopped broccoli, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to your bubbling pan. The broccoli cooks right along with the orzo, staying vibrant and tender without turning mushy. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, letting the liquid absorb until the orzo is fully tender and most of the broth has disappeared.
Step 5: Finish With Cheese and Cream
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and milk or cream. Watch as the cheese melts, transforming the orzo and broccoli into a creamy, dreamy mixture that holds together yet remains fluffy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you wish, and now your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is ready to serve steaming hot!
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to make your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo even more inviting. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, add some chopped fresh parsley for color, or crack a bit more black pepper for a sharp finish. If you like heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes makes a bright, spicy accent.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a cozy side or a simple main, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with lemony roast chicken or grilled fish if you want to add some protein, making it a true all-rounder for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo in individual ramekins or shallow bowls gives a restaurant-style look at home. For fun family dinners, try it in a big communal baking dish. You can also scoop it into bell pepper halves, top with more cheese, and broil until golden for a fresh take!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, and it remains creamy after a quick stir. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Divide the orzo into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth, stirring as it warms to bring back the creaminess. Top with extra cheese before serving for the ultimate comfort.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen broccoli before adding it to the pan in step 4. It works perfectly and makes the recipe even quicker for those busy nights.
What if I don’t have orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, pastina, or even broken spaghetti can work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and add a splash more broth if needed, as these shapes may absorb liquid differently.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free, but you can substitute with a gluten-free pasta alternative—just watch the cook times, as they may vary.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Stir in cooked, diced chicken, crumbled cooked sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost. Just add your protein at the same time as the cheese to keep things tender and flavorful.
How do I make this even creamier?
Swap milk for heavy cream, or add an extra splash for a luscious texture. You can also amp up the cheese—an extra handful of cheddar makes the dish even more decadent!
Final Thoughts
One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the go-to recipe for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a little cheesy joy with minimal effort. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and customizable—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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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 easy and delicious One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a comforting and cheesy side dish that comes together quickly. Creamy orzo pasta cooked with broccoli and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses is a flavorful treat for any meal.
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
