Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Dinner

This creamy broccoli cheddar orzo brings together tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce all made in one skillet for easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nourishing meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The comforting flavors and smooth texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight and it instantly became a go-to because it feels indulgent but is still wholesome. Whenever I bring it to the table, everyone asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• Butter: Delivers richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic choose a good quality unsalted stick for best flavor
• Olive oil: Adds a fruity base flavor and prevents sticking use extra virgin for freshness
• Small onion: Provides sweetness and depth pick a firm, heavy onion for better taste
• Garlic cloves: Bring bold aroma and zest freshly minced garlic is essential here
• Orzo: Acts as the creamy pasta base pick a variety with minimal ingredients for purity
• Vegetable broth: Flavors the dish opt for low sodium to control saltiness
• Heavy cream: Gives a silky texture use at room temperature so it blends smoothly
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds tangy richness shred your own for the best melt
• Broccoli florets: Add color, texture and nutrition cut them small so they cook evenly
• Salt and pepper: Balance the flavors season to your taste
• Garlic powder: Enhances savoriness and deepens flavor

Instructions

Prep and Sauté Aromatics:

Melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent. This should take about five minutes and forms a flavorful base.

Add Garlic and Orzo:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Add the orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for one more minute to toast the pasta gently. This toasting step adds a subtle nuttiness.

Deglaze and Start the Sauce:

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits stuck to the pan; these add extra flavor. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then stir everything together thoroughly.

Cook Orzo:

Turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for five minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.

Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking:

Scatter the broccoli florets evenly over the orzo. Gently press them into the liquid but do not submerge completely. Continue simmering for an additional five minutes until both the orzo and broccoli are just tender.

Add Cheese and Serve:

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and coated each bite with creamy goodness. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving warm.

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I still smile remembering how my youngest actually snuck extra broccoli pieces from my plate the first time because the cheesy sauce won her over completely.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture. For freezing, let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container and stir in a little liquid upon reheating if the sauce has thickened.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap heavy cream for half and half or whole milk for a lighter version. Different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère work well to change up the flavor profile. Gluten-free orzo is an option but watch the texture closely as it may cook differently. Feel free to toss in leftover vegetables such as peas or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra variety.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal. It also shines as a crowd-pleasing side for potlucks or holiday dinners and is lovely alongside grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete feast.

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Serve warm and enjoy the creamy comfort. Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to restore the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets work well added directly without thawing; just adjust cooking time until tender.

→ What type of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, while mild offers a subtler taste. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

→ How do I prevent orzo from sticking?

Stir the orzo regularly, especially after adding liquids, and use enough butter and oil for a smooth cook.

→ Is a dairy-free version possible?

Yes, substitute butter, cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I add protein for more substance?

Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be stirred in during the last few minutes to boost protein content.