One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s quick to make and easy to clean up! The orzo cooks directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all the cheese and seasoning, while tender broccoli adds a burst of color and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo pasta, and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast in the oil and aromatics.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, ensuring the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Broccoli:
- Once the broth and milk are simmering, add the broccoli florets. Stir them into the orzo mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash more broth or milk.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the broccoli cheese orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Add Protein: To make this a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a little cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for even more richness.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s comforting, cheesy, and so easy to make!