Description
This comforting Broccoli Cheddar Orzo combines tender orzo pasta with bright, fresh broccoli florets in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy side dish.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, whole milk or heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook Broccoli: Stir in the small broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy sauce coating the orzo and broccoli.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, or use a mixture of both for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian; use chicken broth if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the cheese sauce.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
