Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy side dish, or a cozy vegetarian main, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, chopped small
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast orzo: Stir in the orzo and let it toast lightly for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli: When orzo is nearly tender, stir in broccoli florets. Cover and cook another 3–5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and fork-tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in cream. Cook on low heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add cheese: Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices. Serve warm.
Notes
For added protein, stir in cooked grilled chicken or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: one pot, broccoli cheese orzo, creamy pasta, vegetarian dinner, quick meals