One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

This one pot cheesy orzo recipe is inspired by broccoli cheddar soup. It’s super easy to make, comes together in under 30 minutes, is packed full of veggies all while being very kid friendly!

Ingredients

  • salted butter
    2 tbsp
  • extra virgin olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • whole sweet onion

    finely chopped

    1
  • garlic

    finely chopped

    4 cloves
  • shredded carrots
    1 c
  • uncooked orzo
    1 c
  • chicken stock

    or veg broth

    2 c
  • finely chopped broccoli
    2 c
  • whole milk
    1 c
  • sharp cheddar

    shredded

    1 ½ c
  • parm

    grated

    ½ c
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Add olive oil and butter to a heavy bottomed pan (I’m using a braiser) over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add garlic and shredded carrots and cook down for another few minutes or until the garlic is starting to get tender and fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add uncooked orzo and the stock and stir. Once simmering, put the lid on and let cook for about 6 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove lid and add broccoli and milk and stir once more. Put the lid back on and let the dish cook for 4 more minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.

  5. 5

    Add the cheese and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner that's both quick and packed with veggies? This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is your new weeknight hero, inspired by your favorite broccoli cheddar soup but ready in under 30 minutes! It's a fantastic way to get a wholesome meal on the table, perfect for busy evenings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. By simmering the orzo directly with chicken stock and milk, it absorbs all the rich, savory notes, creating a luxuriously creamy texture that perfectly balances the bright broccoli and sharp cheddar. It’s an easy, hearty dish that’s incredibly kid-friendly.

Prepare for a bowl of pure comfort. Each spoonful delivers tender orzo enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, punctuated by tender pieces of broccoli, the sweetness of sautéed onion, and aromatic garlic. The sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a depth of flavor that's utterly satisfying and incredibly welcoming. It’s a delightful way to incorporate extra vegetables into a dish that feels like an indulgent treat.

Customization & Variations

Easily adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. You can swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. While sharp cheddar and Parmesan are called for, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. The finely chopped sweet onion and shredded carrots are key to the base flavor, but you can adjust the amount of broccoli to your liking.

This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo makes for a perfect hearty family dinner on a busy weeknight. Serve it warm straight from the pot for a supremely satisfying meal.

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