Description
Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender orzo, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together easily in one pot with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and garlic powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Then incorporate the orzo and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in the broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the broccoli. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the heavy cream along with the shredded cheddar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste, garnish with extra cheddar and black pepper if you like, and serve warm.
Notes
- Lighter Option Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream Vegetable Swap Substitute broccoli with spinach peas or kale Spicy Kick Add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg