One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe
If you’re in the mood for maximum comfort with minimal effort, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo will absolutely steal your heart. Creamy, dreamy orzo is studded with tender broccoli and drenched in melty, bold cheddar—a pure hug in a bowl that’s ready in under half an hour. It’s the perfect answer to busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anytime you crave a cozy meal with bright, fresh flavors and minimal clean-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with just a handful of food staples, but each ingredient packs a punch for taste, texture, or color. Here’s what you need to gather for irresistible One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo.
- Olive oil: For a fragrant start and a silky base to sauté your veggies.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but don’t skip them—their aroma makes the dish special.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and creates that signature creamy texture.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Low-sodium keeps things balanced, and the broth infuses every bite with extra savory goodness.
- Broccoli florets: For bright green color, vitamins, and a tender-crisp bite.
- Salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds the right amount of warmth.
- Onion powder: Doubles down on savory flavor without overpowering.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and delivers big flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a lift of salty, nutty richness.
- Heavy cream: Creates that lusciously rich, creamy texture.
How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Sauté for three to four minutes until the onions turn soft, translucent, and sweet-smelling. This first step lays down a foundation of irresistible aroma. Add the minced garlic next and cook for just thirty seconds, stirring the whole time—you want it fragrant but not browned!
Step 2: Toast the orzo
Pour the orzo into the pan with the softened onions and garlic. Give everything a good stir, letting the orzo toast for a minute or two. This simple trick adds a slightly nutty undertone and helps the pasta stay al dente even as it soaks up all the wonderful broth later. Keep the orzo moving so it doesn’t stick.
Step 3: Simmer with broth and broccoli
Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it bubbles, stir in the broccoli florets, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. The broccoli will cook alongside the orzo, becoming bright green and perfectly tender-balanced—not mushy. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. Most of the liquid should absorb while everything turns creamy and inviting.
Step 4: Make it cheesy and creamy
Take the skillet off the heat. Immediately stir in your shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. Watch as everything melts together, transforming the orzo and broccoli into one glorious, creamy dish. If you want it extra gooey, feel free to add a little extra cheese! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve warm right from the pot.
How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle your bowl of One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo with extra shreds of cheddar, a dusting of Parmesan, or chopped fresh parsley. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper on top works wonders. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a subtle brightness.
Side Dishes
This cozy orzo is hearty enough to eat by itself, but it also shines alongside crisp side salads, garlic bread, or roasted meats. For added protein, you can stir in cooked chicken or cannellini beans, or serve it as a partner to baked tofu. It also pairs delightfully with roasted veggies for a complete vegetarian plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo into shallow bowls for maximum comfort food vibes, or spoon it into small ramekins for dinner party elegance. It’s also delicious as a base for seared salmon or grilled shrimp, or even scooped into roasted bell pepper halves for a fun, colorful twist. Leftovers can be tucked into lunchboxes or used to stuff a baked potato for an irresistibly gooey stuffing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! Allow the One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze leftovers, portion the orzo into freezer-safe containers (airtight is key to prevent freezer burn). It will hold up for 1-2 months, but keep in mind that the creamy texture may change slightly once thawed, becoming a bit thicker. Still, it’s a great grab-and-go option for future cozy meals.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the orzo before warming in the microwave or on the stovetop. This helps restore the original creaminess. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Stirring in a fresh handful of cheese at the end can bring back that gooey, fresh-from-the-pot flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen florets straight to the pot—no need to thaw first. Expect a slightly softer texture, but all the great flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter texture. The creaminess will be a bit less rich, but it will still be totally delicious.
Can I make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo gluten free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free orzo or small pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time and adjust as gluten-free pastas sometimes cook faster or slower than traditional orzo.
What proteins work best if I want to add more?
Diced cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans all make wonderful additions at the end. You could also stir in sautéed shrimp or serve alongside crispy baked tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish even cheesier?
Go ahead and add more cheddar or melt in a little cream cheese after cooking. Try stirring in a spoonful of Boursin or herbed cheese to change up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something deeply satisfying but delightfully simple. One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that never goes out of style—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot meal that combines orzo pasta with broccoli and a rich cheese sauce. This easy vegetarian dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, add garlic.
- Add Orzo: Toast orzo in the pan, then pour in broth.
- Cook Broccoli and Orzo: Simmer with broccoli, salt, pepper, and onion powder until orzo is tender.
- Add Cheeses: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and cream until creamy.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding diced cooked chicken or white beans.
- Pair with roasted meats or baked tofu for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
