Why make this recipe
One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the nutritious crunch of broccoli. It’s perfect for busy weeknights since it cooks all in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy. Not only is it comforting and filling, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies.
How to make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Making One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and stir for a minute to toast it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the broccoli florets.
- Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo warm. You can garnish it with extra cheese or some freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some crusty bread.
How to store One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
To store leftovers, let the orzo cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Tips to make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give the dish a better texture and taste compared to frozen.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese for a unique flavor!
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans.
Variation
You can easily customize this orzo dish. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach for extra taste. You can also switch the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat well before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the orzo may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets Use fresh for better texture.
- 2 cups vegetable broth Can substitute with chicken broth.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adjust based on desired creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and stir for a minute to toast it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the broccoli florets.
- Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!