Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
This Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in vegetable or chicken broth with fresh broccoli, then finished with rich cheddar cheese and heavy cream for a luscious texture. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal, it’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, creating the flavor base for the dish.
- Add Garlic & Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute more to release their aroma. Add the orzo pasta and toast it by stirring for 1-2 minutes, which adds a nutty flavor to the pasta.
- Simmer with Broth & Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Add Cheese & Cream: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the dish becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally garnish with extra cheddar cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Swap: Substitute broccoli with spinach, peas, or kale to vary the greens.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a hint of spice and brightness.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, creamy pasta, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, broccoli pasta, cheddar cheese pasta
