Go Back
- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup heavy cream (or plant-based alternative) - Optional: red pepper flakes for heat Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great dish. I love using orzo pasta for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. The vegetable broth adds depth and keeps it light. Fresh broccoli florets not only add color but also a nice crunch. I always choose sharp cheddar cheese for its bold flavor. It melts beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture. The onion and garlic are essential for building a strong base. Olive oil helps to sauté these ingredients, enhancing their taste. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, which works well with the cheese. Seasoning with salt and pepper balances the dish. The heavy cream, or a plant-based option, gives it a luxurious feel. If you like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for extra heat. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sauté onion and garlic: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for 1 minute, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. - Toast orzo pasta: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it for about 2 minutes. This will give the orzo a nice flavor. - Combine vegetable broth and broccoli: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Then, add 1 cup of broccoli florets. - Simmer and incorporate ingredients: Cover the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is gone. - Stir in cheese and cream: Once the orzo is cooked, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Also, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is smooth. - Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your liking. If the dish seems thick, add a splash of broth or cream for a creamier texture. These steps will guide you to a warm, comforting bowl of One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo that everyone will love. To get the perfect texture for your One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, follow these steps: - Toast the orzo: Before adding the broth, toast the orzo for about two minutes. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. - Add broth slowly: When you pour in the vegetable broth, do it slowly. This helps the orzo absorb the flavors well. For stirring techniques: - Stir gently: Stir occasionally but not too often. This helps prevent the orzo from sticking. - Check doneness: Taste a piece of orzo a minute or two before the end. It should be tender but not mushy. You can enhance the flavor in fun ways: - Add spices or herbs: Try adding garlic powder, thyme, or a bay leaf. Fresh herbs like parsley can also add brightness. - Cheese alternatives: If you want a different taste, swap the cheddar. Try Gruyère for a rich flavor or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Serving well makes your dish even better: - Beautiful bowls: Serve the orzo in deep bowls. This adds a nice touch to the meal. - Garnish for appeal: Top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A drizzle of olive oil makes it shine and look appealing. Pro Tips Quality Broth Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth can elevate this dish significantly. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère or fontina for a unique flavor profile. Broccoli Prep: Cut broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender. Thickening Tip: If the orzo becomes too thick, simply add more broth or a splash of cream to reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta. Many brands have great options that cook similarly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. If you want a vegan dish, use plant-based cheese and cream. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor. Make sure your vegetable broth is free from animal products. This way, everyone can enjoy it! You can add proteins like chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness. Cook the protein first, then set it aside while you make the orzo. Stir it in at the end for a complete meal. Seasonal vegetables are also fun to use. You might try zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas. These add color and nutrition to your dish. Just toss them in with the broccoli for a tasty twist! Different cheeses can change the taste of your orzo. Try using mozzarella for a creamier feel or gouda for a smoky flavor. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to the dish. If you choose non-dairy cheeses, look for ones that melt well. Brands like Daiya or Follow Your Heart have great options. Just remember to taste as you go. You want to ensure it fits your flavor preferences! After making One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, let it cool to room temperature. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. This dish will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it sealed to avoid any odors from other foods. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. This will help keep the texture nice. If it's too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to get the right consistency back. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can freeze One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo! However, the texture might change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. What can I serve with One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo? You can pair this dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. Grilled chicken or shrimp also adds protein and makes the meal heartier. For a light touch, consider a side of roasted vegetables. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of broth or cream to regain the creamy texture. How can I reduce the calories in this dish? To cut calories, use less cheese or switch to a low-fat cheese. You can also replace heavy cream with a plant-based option, like almond milk or cashew cream. Is it possible to make it spicier? Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes while cooking or stir in some diced jalapeños. For a warm flavor, a dash of hot sauce works well too. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter touch. Greek yogurt also adds creaminess while being lower in fat. Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable? Yes, feel free to swap broccoli for other veggies. Cauliflower, spinach, or peas all work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on your choice. This blog post shared a tasty One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe. We explored main and extra ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I emphasized options for different diets and storage advice. You can create a delicious meal that fits your needs. I hope you feel inspired to try this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A creamy and cheesy orzo dish with broccoli, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • to taste red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it does not burn.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the broccoli florets. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the orzo is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more of vegetable broth or cream until desired consistency is reached.
  • Remove from heat, let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken, then serve warm.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls topped with extra cheddar and fresh parsley.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, one-pot, orzo, vegetarian