Name: One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked; 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, chopped small; ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional; Zest of ½ lemon, optional

Description

Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo combines tender broccoli, orzo pasta, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, and onion in one pot for an easy, comforting meal. Choose heavy cream for a richer finish or whole milk for a lighter version.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, chopped small
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
Zest of ½ lemon, optional

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked orzo and add the vegetable broth or chicken broth. Mix to combine.
Add the chopped broccoli, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes and smoked paprika.
Cook until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked through, stirring as needed to help the orzo cook evenly.
Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk until incorporated.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt and the orzo becomes creamy.
If using, stir in the lemon zest. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian or chicken broth for a different savory flavor.
Heavy cream creates a richer texture, while whole milk provides a lighter option.
The optional red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and lemon zest can be added according to your preferred flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 450 calories

Keywords: one pot broccoli cheese orzo, broccoli cheese orzo, creamy broccoli orzo, cheesy orzo recipe, one pot orzo recipe, broccoli orzo recipe