One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Name: One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Creamy and comforting, this one-pot broccoli cheese orzo combines tender pasta with fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan.

Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor and creamy texture are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices, cheeses, or add proteins like chicken or shrimp.

Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with fresh broccoli and calcium-rich cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the garlic and oil. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir, cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still bright green.

Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes if using. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Remove from heat and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or chili flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.

Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyere for a different cheesy flavor.

Spice It Up: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Vegetable Mix: Include other vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers.

Gluten-Free: Replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals.

Related Recipes:

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

FAQs

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir the orzo frequently during the first few minutes of cooking to prevent it from sticking. Adding a bit of oil or butter helps, too.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the skillet without thawing, and adjust the cooking time slightly.

What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are ideal for flavor and creaminess, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheeses to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Is there a substitute for orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even arborio rice can work.

Conclusion

One-pot broccoli cheese orzo is a simple, flavorful meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and discover just how versatile and delicious it can be.