Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot broccoli cheddar orzo that combines tender pasta with fresh broccoli florets in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 diced Medium onion
- 2 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Cook diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes
- Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and cook until bright green and slightly tender, approximately 3 minutes
- Cook orzo: Add orzo pasta and pour in chicken broth. Bring to gentle boil, then simmer until orzo absorbs most liquid, 10-12 minutes
- Create creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until completely melted and creamy
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy
Notes
- Grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties for optimal melting and smoother texture.
- Maintain gentle heat during final steps to prevent cream from separating and cheese from becoming stringy.
- Cut broccoli florets uniformly for even cooking and let the dish rest 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Add extra broth when reheating leftovers to restore creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, one pot pasta, creamy orzo, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta