One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights, pairing simplicity with bold flavors that the whole family will love.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted.
3. Add Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli, cover, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
5. Make It Cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy.
6. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g

Expert Tips

Cut Broccoli Small: Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.

Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of extra milk or broth if the orzo becomes too thick.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw it before adding to the skillet and reduce cooking time slightly.

Can I substitute the orzo?
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta option.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy cheese sauce.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Substitutions & Variations

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

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.

Vegetable Boost: Include additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach.

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo – Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

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Equipment

• - Large skillet or saucepan with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• **Toast the Orzo:** Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted.
• **Add Broth and Cook Orzo:** Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• **Add Broccoli:** Stir in the chopped broccoli, cover, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
• **Make It Cheesy:** Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy.
• **Season and Serve:** Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.