One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo – Creamy 30-Minute Comfort Food
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It works as a quick weeknight dinner, easy side dish, or cozy vegetarian main with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 days
- Cook Time: 20 days
- Total Time: 840 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast orzo: Stir in the orzo and let it toast lightly for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli: When orzo is nearly tender, stir in broccoli florets. Cover and cook another 3–5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and fork-tender.
- Make it creamy: Stir in cream or milk. Cook on low heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add cheese: Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra cheese or herbs.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth as listed.
- Whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Optional red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and lemon zest can be added for extra flavor.