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
