The Creamiest One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe Ever

Creamy one-pot broccoli cheese orzo combines comfort and convenience in a single skillet.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without multiple pots cluttering the kitchen.

Cheesy goodness melts into tender orzo, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet simple.

Broccoli adds a fresh, green crunch that balances the rich, velvety sauce perfectly.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Nutritious ingredients make you feel good about serving a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Dive into this effortless culinary adventure that promises to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why Broccoli Cheese Orzo Is So Creamy And Cozy

• Create a One-Pot Culinary Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dreamy, cheesy delight with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine pasta, vegetables, and cheese in a single skillet for a stress-free meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults will love the creamy texture, mild broccoli, and cheesy goodness that makes this dish universally appealing and nutritious.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Customize with different cheeses, add protein like chicken, or swap broccoli for seasonal vegetables to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.

What Goes Into One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for this one-pot dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a slight crunch to the creamy pasta.

• Garlic, Dried Thyme: Aromatic seasonings that provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy components that create a rich, velvety sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.

• Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Essential liquids that help cook the pasta and provide a base for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of the entire dish.

How To Make Broccoli Cheese Orzo In One Pot

Step 1: Awaken the Garlic

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Drop in minced garlic and dance it around for half a minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Welcome the Orzo

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and add orzo pasta. Stir gently to prevent clumping and ensure each pasta piece gets equal love.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Let the orzo simmer for 8-10 minutes, giving occasional stirs. Watch for the liquid to mostly disappear and the pasta to reach that perfect tender-yet-firm texture.

Step 4: Introduce Broccoli Buddies

Tumble broccoli florets directly into the skillet, letting them nestle among the orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

Lower the heat and splash in heavy cream, transforming the skillet into a dreamy landscape of potential deliciousness.

Step 6: Cheese Shower

• Sharp cheddar
• Parmesan

Stir continuously until a silky sauce hugs every single pasta and broccoli piece.

Step 7: Season with Love

Dust the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Pull the skillet off the heat. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and flavors to become best friends.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop into bowls immediately. Optional: Shower with extra cheese or fresh herbs for that final touch of wow.

Pro Tips For Broccoli Cheese Orzo

• Enhance Garlic Flavor: Crush garlic cloves before mincing to release more intense, aromatic oils that deepen the dish's overall taste.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during cooking and add a splash of broth if it starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet.
• Broccoli Texture Tip: Cut broccoli florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the orzo.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.

Yummy Variations Of Broccoli Cheese Orzo

• Mediterranean Orzo Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Orzo: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Orzo: Include additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, using vegetable broth and extra sharp white cheddar for depth.
• Protein-Packed Orzo Bowl: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits, and top with toasted pine nuts for added texture and protein boost.

Best Sides For Broccoli Cheese Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or light chardonnay to cut through the creamy cheese and complement the broccoli's fresh notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast provides a lean protein that balances the rich, cheesy orzo without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Add Tangy Side Salad: Create a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the dish's creaminess and add a refreshing, acidic element to the meal.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft orzo.

How To Store One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Without Losing Flavor

• Transfer leftover broccoli cheese orzo into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Pack the cooled orzo in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label the container with the date of preparation.
• Warm the stored orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs About One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo You’ll Want To Know

• Is orzo a type of rice or pasta?

Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice. It’s made from wheat flour and has a small, oval shape, often used in soups, salads, and main dishes.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

• What if I don't have sharp cheddar cheese?

You can substitute with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or a mild cheddar. The key is to use a cheese that melts smoothly and adds good flavor.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based cream alternative.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot broccoli cheese orzo brings comfort and convenience to weeknight dinners with its rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients meld together in a single pan, promising a delightful meal that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Liquid Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
2. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and add orzo pasta, stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Simmer the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta reaches an al dente texture.
4. Introduce broccoli florets directly into the skillet, allowing them to nestle among the orzo and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base for the cheesy mixture.
6. Gradually sprinkle sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the orzo and broccoli.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
8. Remove from heat and let the orzo rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the creamy, comforting one-pot meal.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of garlic for a milder or more intense flavor profile.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar and parmesan for richer, more complex cheese notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Make this recipe vegetarian by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensuring all cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
• Control the consistency by adding more or less broth, creating a saucier or more compact orzo texture based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 523
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg