Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Broccoli Cheese Orzo. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant broccoli, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes for a side that’s anything but ordinary. With its irresistibly velvety sauce and perfectly cooked orzo, it’s a weeknight wonder that effortlessly bridges that craving between wholesome and indulgent. Whether you serve it solo, as a hearty side, or jazz it up for the main event, Broccoli Cheese Orzo brings cozy, cheesy joy to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy or complicated here: just staple ingredients working together to deliver total flavor harmony in every bite. Each item plays its unique role, creating those creamy, cheesy, broccoli-packed spoonfuls you’ll crave again and again.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is downright perfect for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness without falling apart.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, savory richness as the base for toasting the orzo and gently cooking the garlic.
- Broccoli Florets: Chopped small so you get plenty in each bite, they add color, nutrition, and a tender crunch.
- Garlic: Just two cloves infuse the whole dish with deep, savory flavor right from the start.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides the pasta with moisture and infuses every morsel with savory depth.
- Milk (Whole or 2%): Lends ultra-creamy texture and helps the cheese melt perfectly into sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, classic cheese flavor and that iconic gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that balances the cheddar’s richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each brings out all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle background heat that won’t overpower the dish but keeps you coming back for another bite.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Orzo
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the garlic. Give it a quick stir—just 30 seconds or so—until beautifully fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Next, toss in the dry orzo and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring often. This little step toasts the orzo, adding unexpectedly nutty depth and ensuring each grain stays delightfully separate in the final dish.
Step 2: Simmer the Orzo
Pour in your broth and crank the heat up to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the orzo soak up that savory liquid for about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. When the orzo is almost tender but still with a bite, it’s ready for the next superstar ingredient.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Time to introduce the finely chopped broccoli florets! Stir them into the pot, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the orzo. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 3–4 minutes. The broccoli will turn a gorgeous, bright green and soften just right, while any remaining liquid absorbs into the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Pour in the milk, then sprinkle over the shredded cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses have melted into the sauce, creating pure creamy magic. Take a quick taste, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a hint of heat. In just minutes, your Broccoli Cheese Orzo will be lusciously creamy and ready to steal the spotlight.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes right before serving makes Broccoli Cheese Orzo visually irresistible and adds that finishing pop of flavor. For a little freshness, toss on some chopped parsley or chives—your bowl will look every bit as appetizing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy orzo happily sidles up next to roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a pile of crispy tofu. For a simple vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted carrots. The cheesy, comforting flavors of Broccoli Cheese Orzo play well with so many mains—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck or cozy party, scoop Broccoli Cheese Orzo into individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly. Hosting dinner? Serve as a hearty bed under grilled meats. Leftovers also make perfect lunchbox fare—just spoon into a thermos and tuck in a cheesy crouton for an added treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Broccoli Cheese Orzo keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool completely before storing, and be sure to keep it tightly covered to preserve its creamy texture and fresh taste.
Freezing
While most cheesy pastas can get a little grainy when frozen, Broccoli Cheese Orzo actually does better than you’d expect. Spoon cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 1 month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and consider adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer your Broccoli Cheese Orzo to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, stirring in a little milk to loosen things up. Warm gently over low heat (or in short microwave bursts), stirring often, until the cheese is melty and the pasta is heated through. This quick trick brings back that signature silky texture!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great shortcut. Just add it about a minute earlier than you would fresh, since it releases more moisture and needs a tiny bit longer to heat through. Chop larger florets into bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
What type Side Dish
Freshly shredded cheddar and Parmesan from a block offer the smoothest, creamiest melt, but you can use any favorite cheese. Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a pinch of mozzarella all work well. Avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese, which often contains non-melting additives.
How do I make Broccoli Cheese Orzo gluten-free?
Swap regular orzo for a high-quality gluten-free orzo or similar small pasta. Check both your broth and cheese labels to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The dish’s method and flavor stay the same!
Can I add protein to the dish?
Yes, for a heartier meal, stir in diced cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or even chickpeas or white beans at the end. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while turning your Broccoli Cheese Orzo into a complete dinner.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of milk before reheating (either on the stovetop or in the microwave) and stir until the mixture turns creamy again. Reheat gently to keep the cheese from separating, and serve as soon as it’s hot.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the kind of recipe you’ll want to bookmark and share with friends: it’s comforting, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and a single pot, you can turn out a dish that radiates warmth and flavor. Give it a try—you might just discover your newest kitchen staple!
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Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot side dish featuring orzo pasta, broccoli, and a cheesy blend of cheddar and Parmesan. This broccoli cheese orzo is a delicious and easy vegetarian option perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta:
1 cup orzo pasta
Olive Oil Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Broccoli Mixture:
2 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
Garlic:
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Broth:
1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
Milk:
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Cheeses:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning:
Salt and pepper to taste, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Toast Orzo: Add dry orzo, cook briefly to toast.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until nearly tender.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli and cook until tender.
- Melt Cheeses: Add milk and cheeses, stir until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas.
- Frozen broccoli can be used, just adjust cooking time.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
