Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
A comforting and creamy one-pot broccoli cheddar orzo recipe that combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and rich cheddar cheese in a savory broth. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnishing
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, softening and releasing its flavor.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and garlic powder to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to enhance aroma.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it is well-coated with the oil, onions, and garlic to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and add the broccoli florets carefully.
- Simmer to Cook: Cover the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese gently until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and freshly ground black pepper on top. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy one-pot broccoli cheddar orzo.
Notes
- Use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets based on availability; adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen.
- For a richer dish, add more heavy cream or extra cheese to taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Toast the orzo properly to add depth of flavor to the pasta.
- Stir frequently near the end to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, creamy orzo recipe, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta dish