Description
This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a quick and delicious comfort meal packed with tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it combines simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish all made in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook orzo with broth and broccoli: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and broccoli florets. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth has mostly absorbed.
- Add cheese and cream: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated cheddar cheese and heavy cream until melted and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can substitute the broccoli florets with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
- To make it richer, add more cheese or a sprinkle of parmesan on top before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the orzo a bit longer to evaporate more broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.
