Description
A creamy and cheesy one-pan dish combining orzo pasta and broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar melts best)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: extra cheddar, parsley, or cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta directly to the pot and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo.
- Pour in the broth and stir well, bringing to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, then garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or carrots.
- Make Ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo, easy recipe, comfort food