Go Back
To make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, you need the following: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a warm, cheesy dish that feels like a hug. The orzo pasta serves as a hearty base. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. The sharp cheddar cheese brings rich flavor and creaminess. With simple steps, you can enjoy a cozy meal. Each bite is filled with cheesy goodness and the crunch of fresh broccoli. This dish is perfect for any day. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. 3. Cook the orzo until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 4. Drain the orzo and set it aside. 1. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Next, stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another minute until you smell the garlic. 4. Now, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to start softening but still bright green. 1. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer. 2. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the broccoli get tender. 3. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, add the cooked orzo. Stir everything together until well mixed. 1. Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add it in a handful at a time. Stir until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy. 2. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Taste and adjust for flavor. 3. Serve it right away, topped with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this cozy meal! To make your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo just right, you can adjust the cream. If you want it thicker, add more heavy cream. For a lighter version, cut back on the cream. A little goes a long way, so start with half a cup and add more as needed. This way, you control the creaminess perfectly. To jazz up the flavor, think about adding spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. Fresh thyme or basil adds a lovely aroma. You can also try a squeeze of lemon for brightness. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. When it's time to serve, think about toppings. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley for color. For sides, a crisp salad or garlic bread pairs nicely. This dish is all about comfort, so make it your own! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for more flavor. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add a unique twist to the dish. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore creaminess. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to the orzo for extra protein. {{image_2}} You can make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo heartier by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. If you like chicken, grill or sauté it first. Dice it into small pieces and mix it in. For shrimp, cook them until pink, then stir them in just before serving. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Press it to remove extra water, then cube it. Sauté it until golden and crispy, and add it to the pot. For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap in plant-based cheese and cream. There are many great dairy-free cheese options available today. Look for creamy varieties that melt well. For the cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture. You can also find plant-based broth for extra flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy a cozy bowl of orzo. Feel free to add more veggies to this dish. For instance, spinach, peas, or bell peppers add great color and taste. You can toss in fresh spinach at the end. It will wilt nicely. If you like peas, add them when you mix in the broccoli. For bell peppers, chop them small and sauté them with the onion. This adds crunch and sweetness. Get creative with your veggies for a delightful twist! To enjoy your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo again, use the stovetop. Heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can add a splash of milk or broth to help it stay creamy. A microwave works too. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat for one minute, stir, then heat in 30-second bursts until warm. For storing, use airtight containers. Glass containers are great because they don’t stain. If you use plastic, make sure it’s food-safe. Label your containers with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long it’s been. In the fridge, Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo lasts about three to four days. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Make the orzo, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Let it cool before you store it. Use an airtight container for best results. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered with a lid or a paper towel. Freezing this dish is possible, but it may change the texture. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for it to expand. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pot, adding a bit of vegetable broth or cream. This will help restore its creamy texture. If you don't have orzo, there are great alternatives. You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Rice or quinoa can also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. These options still give you a nice base for the creamy sauce and broccoli. This blog post covered making a creamy broccoli cheddar orzo. I shared key ingredients and simple steps for perfecting your dish. You learned tips for flavor and serving ideas, along with easy storage solutions. Don't forget you can add protein or swap ingredients for fun twists. Enjoy this meal with friends or family. It’s sure to be a hit! Happy cooking, and savor every bite!

Cheesy Delight: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A creamy and cheesy orzo dish with tender broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they just start to soften.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cooked orzo. Stir to combine.
  • Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, vegetarian