Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a cozy, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (adds a rich base flavor and helps sauté the aromatics)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (infuses the dish with aromatic depth)
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (creates the creamy base and holds flavor well)
- Vegetable Broth: 2 ½ cups (cooks the orzo and builds a savory flavor foundation)
- Milk: ½ cup (adds creaminess and balances the saltiness of cheese)
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, chopped (adds crunch, color, and earthy flavor)
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups, freshly grated (melts beautifully for a velvety texture)
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated (adds nutty sharpness and depth)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (enhances all the flavors)
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (adds a gentle kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm your sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add orzo and stir to coat it in the garlic oil for a toasted, nutty base.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour in vegetable broth and milk. Stir, bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook to Perfection: Simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broccoli and cook another 4–5 minutes until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls while hot. Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Notes
- Stir often while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating for extra creaminess.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli to maintain its texture and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg