Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and easy meal that comes together quickly. It combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

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
• 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. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute. Add the orzo pasta and toast for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cheddar and black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or reduce the cheese slightly.
• Use fresh broccoli for a crunchier texture or frozen for convenience—just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Try adding cooked chicken or crispy bacon for extra protein and flavor.
• Stir in a pinch of nutmeg when adding cream for a warm, subtle depth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to regain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based cream substitute, vegan cheddar cheese, and vegetable broth to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

This Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses simple ingredients and cooks entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 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

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma and softening the onions for the base of the dish.
2. Add Garlic & Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute to bring out their flavors. Then add the orzo pasta and toast it for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown the pasta 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 the heat to a simmer, add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and 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 heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted, enveloping the pasta and broccoli in a rich, velvety coating.
5. Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve warm immediately and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish.

Notes

• You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference for flavor.
• Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work well for this recipe; just adjust cooking time if needed.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, creamy orzo pasta, one-pot meals, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, broccoli recipes