Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Delight

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a simple and delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy? Then look no further than this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrition thanks to the fresh broccoli. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is not just a satisfying meal; it is also quick and easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this dish in no time. The combination of creamy cheese, tender orzo, and vibrant broccoli makes for a flavorful and colorful dish that’s great for all ages. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables!

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Making Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and cheesy meal.

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups chopped broccoli florets* ($2.74)
2. 1 small onion, diced ($0.47)
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced ($0.08)
4. 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.22)
5. 1 Tbsp butter ($0.12)
6. 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta ($1.49)
7. 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
8. ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature ($0.59)
9. ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
10. ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.04)
11. ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper ($0.03)
12. 1 ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ($1.42)

Directions:

1. Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add in the orzo pasta. Stir and cook the orzo with the onion for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, along with the seasoning (salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper). Stir everything together well. Bring the skillet to a light boil. As soon as it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. After 5 minutes, add the chopped broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the broccoli and orzo cook for another 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender.
6. Once the orzo is tender, stir in the shredded cheese. Turn off the heat. The cheese will continue to melt with the residual heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This dish is perfect as a main course or as a side to accompany grilled chicken or fish.

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a little water to loosen the orzo and enhance the creaminess.

Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Use fresh broccoli for better flavor and texture. Frozen broccoli can also work but may become mushy.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Variations

You can add other veggies like carrots or peas to this dish. Another option is to use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pastas, like ditalini or mini shells.

2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It is best to eat this dish fresh, as freezing may change the texture of the orzo.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use plant-based cream and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo will become a go-to recipe for its ease and deliciousness. Enjoy cooking and eating this delightful dish!

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with nutrition from fresh broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets *Fresh broccoli is preferred for better flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta Can substitute with other small pastas.
• 2 cups chicken broth For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature Use plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Adjust amount of cheese according to preference.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking

• Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
• Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and bring to a light boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the chopped broccoli and stir to combine. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender.
• Once tender, stir in the shredded cheese and turn off the heat. Serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo.

Keyword Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, Cheesy Orzo, comfort food, Easy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Dinner