Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

February 23, 2026

3

Fast Abstract

Creamy, comforting, and filled with taste, this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe is the final word weeknight dinner or facet dish. Prepared in beneath half-hour, it combines tender orzo pasta, brilliant broccoli, and wealthy melted cheddar cheese for a dish your complete household will love.

Pin this now to search out it later

Pin It

This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Is the Coziest One-Pan Dinner

Some recipes simply really feel like a heat hug on a plate, and this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is precisely that. I’ve been making variations of creamy orzo for years, and this one is a favourite as a result of it’s easy, dependable, and all the time successful with the entire household. Even choosy eaters love the creamy texture and tacky taste, it’s positively kid-friendly!

Tender orzo, contemporary broccoli, and sharp cheddar come collectively in probably the most scrumptious manner. Cooking the orzo in broth as an alternative of water builds taste from the beginning, and stirring within the cheese on the finish creates a clean, creamy end. Plus, all of it comes collectively in a single pan…fewer dishes, extra time to sit down down and revel in dinner. YES!

This dish is hearty sufficient to function a important course, nevertheless it additionally pairs superbly with rooster, baked salmon, or a crisp inexperienced salad. It’s simply as excellent for a busy weeknight as it’s for a Sunday dinner or vacation unfold.

Should you like my broccoli cheese soup and broccoli mac and cheese, I’ve a sense you’ll love this creamy, tacky orzo too! It’s one other winner.

Components (with Useful Notes)

ingredients in bowls to make broccoli cheddar orzo.

Salted butter: Provides richness and taste proper from the beginning. Should you solely have unsalted butter, that works too, simply regulate the seasoning on the finish.
Olive oil: Retains the butter from browning too rapidly and provides an additional layer of taste.
Yellow onion: Cube finely so it softens rapidly and melts into the creamy orzo. Cook dinner till translucent and tender, not browned.
Garlic: Recent minced garlic offers one of the best taste. Cook dinner simply till aromatic to keep away from bitterness.
Orzo pasta: Toasting the orzo for a minute earlier than including the liquid enhances its nutty taste and helps it maintain its texture.
Broth (vegetable or rooster): Cooking the orzo in broth as an alternative of water builds taste from the very starting. Use a good-quality broth for finest outcomes.
Complete milk or heavy cream: Milk retains the dish creamy however lighter, whereas heavy cream makes it richer and extra indulgent. Each work superbly.
Crushed pink pepper flakes (non-obligatory): Provides a refined warmth that balances the creamy cheddar.
Broccoli florets: Reduce into small, bite-size items in order that they cook dinner rapidly and evenly. Recent broccoli offers one of the best texture, however frozen (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar supplies daring taste. For the smoothest soften, grate your individual cheese as an alternative of utilizing pre-shredded.

Ideas for Making the Excellent Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Use a large, giant skillet: Provides you sufficient floor space for even cooking and simpler stirring.
Preserve the warmth at a mild simmer: As soon as the liquid is added, keep away from a fast boil. A smooth simmer ensures the orzo cooks evenly and the dairy stays clean and creamy.
Stir sometimes, not continually: Stir sufficient to stop sticking, however over-stirring could make the orzo gluey.
Reduce the broccoli into evenly sized items: Small, uniform florets cook dinner rapidly and provide the finest texture in each chunk.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: You’re searching for brilliant inexperienced and simply tender. Overcooking will make it boring and mushy.
Let it relaxation earlier than serving: A 5 minute relaxation permits the orzo to thicken barely and change into further creamy.
Flip it right into a full meal: Stir in shredded rotisserie rooster or white beans for further protein and heartiness.
Modify consistency: If it appears too thick, add a splash of broth or milk (or cream) till it’s good.

How one can Retailer

Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the range with a splash of milk or broth to deliver again creaminess.
Freezer: Not very best for freezing as a result of the cheese and broccoli texture can change, however could be frozen in small parts if wanted. Reheat slowly over low warmth with further liquid.

Vegetarian