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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove pot from heat source. Incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety texture.
- 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