Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy comfort food is our jam, and this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is no exception. It’s also packed with broccoli so we can feel good about inhaling bowl after bowl.

• One Pot Recipe: This entire recipe is made in one pot, no need to cook the orzo separately, making clean up super easy.
• Cozy, Comfort Food: This orzo recipe is creamy, cheesy and chewy all at once. A warm bowl of this orzo can be the whole meal, or serve it alongside of the main course.
• Versatile: While we love broccoli, you can add many different vegetables to this orzo recipe like spinach or peas.

• Broccoli: We like to use fresh broccoli for this cheesy orzo, but you can use frozen as well. Cook the onion first and then add the cooked broccoli to the pot. (defrost first or steam in microwave before adding)
• Orzo: Orzo is pasta that’s shaped like a large grain of rice and it’s super tasty. When cooked properly it’s soft and tender and just a bit chewy.
• Cheddar Cheese: We like to use sharp cheddar cheese but you can use whatever you like. Grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture!
• Heavy Cream: Just about 1/2 cup of heavy cream really ties this orzo dish together. You can use half and half if you like but milk won’t be thick enough.
• Onion: About 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion, you can also use a white onion or even a red onion if you have that instead.
• Chicken Broth: Grab a chicken broth that has good flavor. A lot of store bought broth tends to be very watery, so find one that you like the taste of.
• Seasonings: Besides salt and pepper, we’re adding garlic powder and paprika for flavor. Instead of garlic powder, you can swap out fresh garlic and add it in with the onions.

• Cook the broccoli and onion: Add finely diced broccoli and onion to a large, deep skillet or a dutch oven. Cook for 5 minutes with the lid on and another 5 minutes with the lid off.

• Add orzo: Add uncooked orzo to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the orzo a little bit in the butter. Pour in chicken broth, cream and add seasonings. Cook over a low simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.

• Stir in cheese: Stir in a good cup full of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted in with the orzo. Taste for seasonings and adjust if needed. Serve immediately.

What Main Courses Go Well With Broccoli Orzo?

• Pretty much any protein-based main course will work with this cheesy broccoli orzo. Of course most chicken recipes will be delicious, as well as steak or a tasty pork chop recipe.
• But let’s not stop there, we have a ton of good ideas! Serve this cheesy orzo alongside a juicy slab of meatloaf or on the side of a tender pot roast with gravy.
• Or if you happen to want to just dive into this cozy orzo recipe, just spoon it into a big bowl and serve a crisp salad on the side.

This cheesy broccoli orzo is really a breeze to make, but we do have a few tips to make sure that it comes out tasting its best.

• Grate your own cheese: As we probably all know by now, pre-grated cheese has additives in it that don’t allow it to melt the best. Grating your own cheese will also give you the best flavor, so get your muscles into it!
• Chop the broccoli small: Refer to the photos above for reference, but we’re looking for small, bite sized pieces of broccoli. Larger pieces of broccoli will take longer to cook and are not as easy to scoop up with a spoon and eat.
• Low heat: When you’re simmering this orzo, make sure it’s a low simmer – not boiling. The end result will be tender orzo with just a slight chewy texture.