The Coziest Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe for Comfort Dinners

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when this broccoli cheddar orzo sings its delicious melody of comfort and flavor.

Cheese melts into tiny pasta pearls, creating a creamy landscape of green and golden goodness.

Hearty ingredients dance together in one pot, promising a quick and satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners need champions like this simple yet elegant dish.

Wholesome broccoli brings crisp nutrition while sharp cheddar adds rich, tangy depth to each delightful bite.

Cooking becomes effortless with such a straightforward and mouthwatering combination.

You will love how quickly this recipe comes together, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo That Comforts The Soul

• Capture Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish with minimal steps and maximum flavor, perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare a complete meal using just a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making cooking stress-free for busy individuals or families.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken or crispy bacon to personalize the dish according to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Blend classic broccoli cheddar flavors with orzo's creamy texture, creating a comforting meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients Needed To Prepare Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for this dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh green florets that add nutritious crunch and vibrant color to the recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Garlic Powder: Foundational ingredients that build deep, savory flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and provides a smooth cooking foundation.
• Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor for cooking the orzo and broccoli.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture and adds richness to the final dish.

How To Cook Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Simply

Step 1: Saute the Onion

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onion, stirring occasionally until the pieces become soft and turn a light golden color, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Bloom the Aromatics and Toast the Pasta

Add minced garlic and sprinkle garlic powder into the pot. Let the garlic sizzle for a minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

Toss in the orzo and stir continuously, allowing the pasta to lightly toast and become coated with the flavorful oil.

Step 3: Simmer Pasta and Vegetables

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring the liquid to a boil.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add fresh broccoli florets. Cover the pot and let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheesy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy, with the cheese melting completely.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Taste the orzo and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top and finish with a few grinds of black pepper.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy pasta.

Tips To Master Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Toast orzo in oil before adding liquid to enhance nutty, rich undertones and develop deeper taste profile.
• Cut florets into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or use water if broth is unavailable without compromising overall taste.
• Chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.

Variations To Customize Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace cheddar with nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to create a plant-based creamy version.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free alternative that boosts nutritional value.
• Mediterranean Mix: Substitute broccoli with roasted red peppers and zucchini. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Mix in corn kernels and use cumin for a zesty southwestern twist.

Pairing Ideas To Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Crisp chardonnay with buttery undertones complements the creamy cheese and cuts through the richness of the orzo.

Grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs provides a lean protein that balances the cheesy, hearty pasta dish without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy orzo.

Roasted asparagus spears with garlic and parmesan offer a complementary green vegetable that echoes the broccoli’s flavor profile while adding textural variety.

Best Storage For Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Transfer cooled orzo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and freeze for 1-2 months. Avoid freezing if cream is separated.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is orzo, and how is it different from rice?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. Unlike rice, it’s a pasta product with a slightly firmer texture and quicker cooking time.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to prevent excess liquid.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

It can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it fully vegetarian, ensure the cheese is also vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, replace heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt, and add more vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to boost nutritional value.

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheddar orzo delivers comfort straight from Italian pasta traditions with Wisconsin cheese magic. Cheesy pasta perfection combines quick weeknight convenience and rich flavor in one delightful skillet meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Main Ingredients:

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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) Freshly ground black pepper
• (Optional) Extra cheddar for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and garlic powder, stirring for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors. Introduce orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated with oil.
3. Pour broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then incorporate broccoli florets. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring until orzo reaches tender consistency and liquid reduces significantly.
4. Remove pot from heat source. Incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety texture.
5. Evaluate seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Optional: Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional cheddar cheese and freshly ground black pepper on top. Serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• Toasting orzo before cooking enhances its nutty flavor and prevents clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Add broccoli stems chopped finely for extra texture and nutrition, reducing food waste and maximizing vegetable intake.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower calorie content.
• Customize the dish by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for increased variety and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 6 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg