Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a creamy and cheesy one-pot dish, packed with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and cozy weeknight meal, it comes together in under 30 minutes and offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (1 cup each)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Dairy & Oil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dry & Pantry
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once hot and the butter has melted, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute with the onion and garlic to lightly toast the pasta.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and room temperature heavy cream. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Orzo: Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Broccoli: Stir the chopped broccoli into the skillet with the orzo. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender and broccoli is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt into the warm orzo and broccoli with residual heat. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best flavor and texture, but frozen can also work if thawed and drained.
- Heavy cream should be room temperature to prevent curdling when added to hot broth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and melted cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-orzo-recipe/
