Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and comforting dish that brings together tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich, creamy sauce. Prepared in just one pot, it is perfect for busy evenings when you need a warm and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients in advance. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, cut the broccoli into small florets, and shred the cheddar cheese.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the butter with the olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts completely.
- Add the onion and cook for three to four minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute.
- Pour in the orzo pasta and stir until coated in the butter and oil. Toast the orzo for two to three minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the broth and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for seven to eight minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and cook for four to five minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
- Lower the heat and pour in the milk or cream. Stir gently to coat the pasta and vegetables. Simmer for two to three minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added protein, mix in shredded chicken, diced chicken ham, or crispy turkey bacon.
If you want a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
Frozen broccoli can be substituted for fresh; just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.