Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
This Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining tender orzo pasta with vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. With a luscious texture from heavy cream and sharp cheese, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic & Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer with Broth & Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add Cheese & Cream: Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and velvety.
- Season & Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich.
- Fresh broccoli works best but frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative; just ensure to thaw slightly before adding.
- Toast the orzo carefully to avoid burning, stirring constantly during that step.
- This dish reheats well, but add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, one pot dinner, creamy orzo recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta dish
