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One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and orzo pasta—all cooked in one pot. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The rich cheese sauce combined with the fresh vegetables creates a delicious, satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots or complicated steps.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 packed cups)
1 lb broccoli crowns, florets cut into 1 to 1½-inch pieces, stems diced
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
6 large garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp kosher salt (divided)
½ tsp black pepper (divided)
1 ½ tsp ground mustard
⅛ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1 lb dried orzo pasta
1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole or 2% milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Shred the cheddar cheese and chop the broccoli, onion, and garlic as instructed.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, broccoli stems, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the broccoli stems are nearly tender (5-7 minutes).
Cook Broccoli Florets: Add the broccoli florets, remaining ¾ tsp salt, remaining ¼ tsp pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and cook until the florets turn vibrant green (about 3-5 minutes).
Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the orzo and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring every minute, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (6-8 minutes).
Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and continue to simmer until the orzo is al dente and the mixture is still creamy, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in butter and shredded cheese until fully melted.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve warm.

Nutrients

Calories: 350-400 per serving
Carbohydrates: 45-50g
Fat: 15-18g
Protein: 12-15g
Fiber: 3-4g

This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a quick, delicious, and hearty dish that will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds with its creamy, cheesy goodness!

Why One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a Must-Try

What makes One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo so irresistible is its simple yet bold flavor combination. The sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats the orzo pasta and broccoli, while the broccoli florets provide a slight crunch and fresh taste. The addition of mustard and a touch of cayenne pepper (if you choose to use it) enhances the flavor, giving the dish a little kick without overwhelming it. The fact that this dish comes together in one pot with minimal effort makes it an ideal meal for busy weeknights, while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.

The combination of tender orzo, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese ensures that this dish will please even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

The Key Ingredients in One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

The ingredients for this dish are simple, yet come together to create a rich and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so tasty:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient for the creamy, cheesy sauce. Its bold flavor creates the perfect base for this dish, melting into a velvety sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds texture, color, and a slight crunch to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and adds a nutritious element to the meal.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the rich cheese sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying base for the dish.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory base flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, giving it depth and richness.
Ground Mustard and Cayenne Pepper: These seasonings add a subtle tangy kick and heat, enhancing the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Milk and Broth: The combination of milk and chicken (or vegetable) broth helps to create the creamy sauce that brings the whole dish together. The broth also adds a savory depth of flavor.
Butter: A bit of butter at the end of cooking helps create a smooth, velvety finish and brings richness to the sauce.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is quick to prepare and easy to make. Here’s how you can make it:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding the sharp cheddar cheese and chopping the broccoli, onion, and garlic as instructed. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much easier.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, broccoli stems, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the broccoli stems are nearly tender.
Cook the Broccoli Florets: Add the broccoli florets, the remaining ¾ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the florets turn vibrant green and slightly tender.
Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute, lightly toasting it and allowing it to absorb some of the flavors from the vegetables and spices.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, releasing any browned bits. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring every minute, for 6-8 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and continue to simmer for another minute, until the orzo is al dente and the mixture remains creamy. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is an incredibly versatile dish that works well for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual family meal, or a comforting dish to serve at a small gathering, this orzo is sure to satisfy. It’s rich and cheesy enough to feel indulgent, yet light enough to be enjoyed any day of the week.

This dish is also great for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store it in the fridge for a few days. The creamy texture and flavor stay intact, making it a perfect option for leftovers. It’s also a great way to get in your daily servings of vegetables, making it a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tips for Making the Perfect One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. Overcooking it can cause it to become mushy. Stir the orzo regularly and taste it towards the end to ensure it’s cooked to al dente perfection.
Adjust the Seasonings: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more garlic, mustard, or cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
Add More Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, peas, or even mushrooms, to increase its nutritional value and flavor complexity.
Use a Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, make sure to use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, as the cheese will provide enough salt to flavor the dish.
Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently in a pot, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it the ideal meal for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend dinner. The combination of orzo pasta, tender broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a dish that’s full of flavor, while the creamy sauce ties everything together in a delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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