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One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

  • Author: Avery
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to gently toast it.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the broccoli florets. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/one-pot-broccoli-cheese-orzo/