This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is cozy comfort food made easy tender orzo simmered in savory broth with bright broccoli and finished with a blanket of melted cheddar. Everything cooks in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it a perfect weeknight side or light main the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to gently toast it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the broccoli florets. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce and coats the orzo and broccoli.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Variation
- Add protein: Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or white beans at the end with the cheese for a heartier meal.
- Extra veggie boost: Add a handful of baby spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking until just wilted and bright green.
- Spicy kick: Use sharp cheddar and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a bit of heat.
Cooking Notes
- Stir once or twice during simmering to keep the orzo from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Different brands of orzo may cook slightly faster or slower start checking for doneness around the 9–10 minute mark.
- The dish will continue to thicken as it stands, so leave it a touch saucy before adding the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a cozy main dish with a crisp green salad on the side.
- Pair as a cheesy side with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or baked tofu.
- Top bowls with extra grated cheddar and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Tips
- Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest melt pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.
- Cut broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly with the orzo.
- For easier cleanup, soak the pot with warm water right after serving to release any starchy bits.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different pasta shape instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cook time slightly. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta and keep an eye on the cook time, as it may cook faster or slower than regular orzo. - How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. - Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best fresh and creamy, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat with extra liquid to restore the saucy texture.
Conclusion
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo brings together tender pasta, bright green broccoli, and melty cheddar in a single, satisfying pot. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable perfect as a comforting main or a crowd-pleasing side any night you’re craving something cozy and cheesy.
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One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetarian cheese and broth)
Description
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is cozy comfort food made easy tender orzo simmered in savory broth with bright broccoli and finished with a blanket of melted cheddar. Everything cooks in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it a perfect weeknight side or light main the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to gently toast it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the broccoli florets. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce and coats the orzo and broccoli.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of milk or cream with the cheese.
- If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw add it straight to the pot and simmer as directed.
- Keep the heat low once covered to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the mixture looks too dry before the orzo is tender, add a splash of extra broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: one pot broccoli cheese orzo,cheesy orzo with broccoli,one pot pasta,easy weeknight dinner,stovetop orzo,vegetarian comfort food