Go Back
- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish Having the right ingredients makes all the difference. I love using orzo pasta for its tiny rice-like shape. It absorbs flavors well and blends perfectly with the creamy sauce. Broccoli florets add color, texture, and nutrition. They become tender yet still keep a nice bite. I use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. This adds a light flavor and helps the veggies cook nicely. The onion brings sweetness, while the garlic packs a punch. Next, we need vegetable broth, which forms the base of our sauce. It adds depth and richness. The heavy cream makes the dish ultra creamy and dreamy. Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that bold cheesy taste. The black pepper gives a gentle kick, and salt enhances all the flavors. The grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely finish. Lastly, I like to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. - Large pot - Colander - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons When cooking, having the right tools is key. A large pot helps cook the orzo and sauce all in one place. Use a colander to drain the orzo once it's cooked. A sturdy wooden spoon is best for stirring and mixing. Don't forget your measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts. Per serving (approximate): - Calories: 450 - Fats: 25g - Proteins: 15g - Carbohydrates: 42g This dish is comforting and filling. It's perfect for a cozy night in. With a balance of cheese, cream, and veggies, it hits all the right spots. Enjoy this creamy broccoli cheddar orzo knowing it’s not just tasty, but also packs a nutritional punch. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. - Cook 1 cup of orzo pasta according to the package instructions. - Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside. - In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until you smell its lovely aroma. - Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. - Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. - Add 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. - Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and combines into a creamy sauce. - Fold the cooked orzo into the creamy sauce until it is well combined. - Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. - Season with salt and black pepper to taste as needed. - Spoon the creamy broccoli cheddar orzo into bowls. - Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. - For a special finish, add a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top. To get the creamiest texture, follow these tips: - Cook the orzo just right: Boil it until just al dente. Overcooking can make it mushy. - Use fresh broccoli: Fresh florets add crunch and color. Frozen broccoli can become too soft. - Simmer the sauce gently: Don’t boil the sauce hard. A gentle simmer helps it thicken without separating. Common mistakes to avoid include: - Skipping the salt: Adding salt to the cooking water for orzo enhances flavor. - Rushing the cheese: Add cheese slowly and stir well to prevent clumps. You can substitute heavy cream and cheese if needed: - For heavy cream: Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. - For cheddar cheese: Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese. If you don’t have vegetable broth, use: - Chicken broth: It adds more flavor but changes the dish’s vegetarian status. - Water with seasonings: Use garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. To boost the dish’s flavor, consider these suggestions: - Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can bring warmth. - Fresh herbs: Basil or thyme can add a fresh taste. Stir them in just before serving. To adjust the cheesiness, try: - Mixing in more cheese: You can add extra cheddar for a cheesier dish. - Using a blend: Combine different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen. Choose bright green florets for the best flavor. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This will reduce calories while keeping it creamy. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyère, fontina, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese can elevate the dish with unique flavors. Make It a Meal: Add protein such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this a more filling main dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in creamy broccoli cheddar orzo. For a chicken version, cook diced chicken breast in the pot first. Once cooked, remove it, and continue with the recipe. For shrimp, add peeled shrimp when you add the broccoli. They cook quickly and add great flavor. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Sauté it until golden before adding the orzo. Each option gives you a hearty meal. To make this dish vegan, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives add a rich flavor without dairy. For cheese, look for plant-based cheddar. Nutritional yeast is a great option too. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. Just sprinkle it in when you add the orzo. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious. You can make creamy broccoli cheddar orzo even better by adding seasonal veggies. In spring, try asparagus or peas for freshness. In fall, add roasted butternut squash for sweetness. Zucchini or spinach works well in summer too. Just chop them up and add them when you sauté the onions. This keeps your dish vibrant and full of flavor. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature first. This helps prevent condensation. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. If you want to freeze your orzo, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a bit of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture. For the best taste, enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo within three days if refrigerated. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within three months. The flavors will be best during this time. After that, it may still be safe but might not taste as great. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Some good choices are ditalini, shells, or even penne. Just remember that different pasta shapes may need different cooking times. Check the package for details. If you use a larger pasta, add a couple more minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll get that perfect al dente texture. To make this creamy broccoli cheddar orzo gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this option. You can also use rice or quinoa as alternatives. Just remember to cook them according to package directions. This will keep your dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. Pair creamy broccoli cheddar orzo with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. Another option is to add a warm bread roll on the side. This gives a nice crunch and helps soak up the creaminess. This creamy broccoli cheddar orzo combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You learned the step-by-step process for cooking orzo, sautéing veggies, and making a rich cream sauce. We also covered tips for perfecting your dish and storing leftovers. You can customize it by adding protein or making it vegan. With these ideas, cooking will be fun and easy. Enjoy creating your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become bright green.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for another 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. If using, add in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Fold in the cooked orzo until well combined, allowing everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Spoon the creamy broccoli cheddar orzo into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls or plates and sprinkle some extra cheddar on top for a cheesy finish. Optionally, drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine before serving.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, pasta