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Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and comforting meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with fresh broccoli, sautéed aromatics, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together with a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dish that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic & Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown the orzo and enhance its nutty flavor.
  3. Simmer with Broth & Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add the broccoli florets. Cover the pot and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
  4. Add Cheese & Cream: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and the cheese has melted completely.
  5. Season & Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting broccoli cheddar orzo!

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added flavor or keep it vegetarian with vegetable broth.
  • Frozen broccoli florets can be used, just add a couple minutes to the simmering time if needed.
  • To make it lighter, you may substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less creamy.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the cheese sauce flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo pasta.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/creamy-one-pot-broccoli-cheddar-orzo-recipe/