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Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with broccoli, this one pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and cozy weeknight favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 384 kcal

Equipment

  • large deep skillet

Ingredients
  

Broccoli and Seasonings

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli florets Fresh preferred
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pasta and Dairy

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
  • Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds.
  • Add in the orzo pasta. Stir and cook the orzo with the onion for 1 minute.
  • Now pour in the chicken broth and room temperature heavy cream, along with the seasoning (salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper). Stir everything together well. Bring the skillet up to a light boil. As soon as it starts to boil reduce the heat to medium low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • After 5 minutes add the chopped broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo. Let the broccoli and orzo continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender.
  • Once the orzo is tender, stir in the shredded cheese. Turn off the heat. The cheese will continue to melt with the residual heat from the broccoli and orzo. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

I prefer the texture of fresh broccoli in this recipe. Frozen and thawed broccoli can work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best bite and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 24gSodium: 811mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, cheesy orzo, one pot meal, orzo recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian dish
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