This creamy, comforting one-pot broccoli cheese orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot wonder is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. It requires minimal prep, creates very little cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor. The creamy texture paired with nutritious broccoli offers a balanced meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with additional vegetables or protein to suit your preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil provides the base for sautéing your aromatics, adding a subtle fruity note that creates depth in this simple dish.
Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, bringing essential savory notes and depth of flavor that elevate the entire dish.
Orzo pasta is the star of this recipe. This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully, creating a risotto-like texture without the constant stirring.
Chicken broth infuses the orzo with rich flavor as it cooks, creating a more flavorful base than water alone. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli florets add color, texture, and nutrition to this dish. They become tender but still maintain a pleasant bite when cooked alongside the orzo.
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the dish, creating a creamy, savory sauce that coats every grain of orzo. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Heavy cream adds luxurious richness and creates the silky texture that makes this dish so comforting. For a lighter option, half-and-half can work in a pinch.
Salt and pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings to your preference.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner. It contains approximately 330 calories per serving. The dish comes together quickly, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry.
Variations
Protein Additions: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits.
Vegetable Mix-ins: While broccoli is the star, feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking.
Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese options like Parmesan, mozzarella, or a smoky Gouda for varied flavor profiles.
Herb Infusions: Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives added just before serving can brighten the dish and add complexity.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a gentle heat that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
Storage/Reheating
This broccoli cheese orzo stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave individual portions at 50% power, stirring halfway through.
This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content and pasta texture, so plan to enjoy it within a few days of preparation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first – simply add it directly to the pot. You may need to extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
My orzo seems to be sticking to the bottom of the pan. What should I do?
Orzo can occasionally stick, especially as the broth reduces. Make sure you’re using a non-stick skillet and stir the mixture frequently during cooking. If sticking occurs, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash more broth.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead. It will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative designed for melting. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of orzo?
While orzo works perfectly because it cooks quickly and evenly in this one-pot method, you can substitute small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini. Cooking times may vary slightly based on the pasta shape.
How do I know when the orzo is done?
The orzo should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten – similar to al dente. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, but the dish should still be creamy rather than dry.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or bacon work wonderfully. Add them when you stir in the cheese to warm through.
My sauce seems too thick/thin. How do I fix it?
If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or add a bit more cheese to help thicken it up.
What can I serve with this dish?
This orzo works well as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal on its own, consider adding a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a well-rounded dinner.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo exemplifies comfort food at its finest – quick, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease, allowing you to have a delicious, home-cooked meal even on your busiest nights. The creamy texture paired with tender orzo and nutritious broccoli creates a perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. Whether served as a hearty side or a light main course, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a true kitchen winner that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
A creamy and delicious one-pot dish made with orzo pasta, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Adjust cheese and cream quantities as per your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
