Description
This Ultimate Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal cooked entirely in one pot. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with fresh broccoli florets in a savory broth, then finished with rich cheddar cheese and heavy cream, this dish offers a quick yet indulgent dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent, which helps develop a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain a fresh aroma.
- Toast Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it with oil and lightly brown for enhanced flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente, absorbing the broth’s rich taste.
- Steam Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, re-cover, and steam them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, preserving nutrients and texture.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the mixture is creamy and cohesive. Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a subtle heat and serve the dish hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less creamy.
- To speed up prep, use pre-chopped onions and garlic paste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.
- Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon as an optional protein boost.
