Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Sometimes, the simplest dishes bring the most joy, and this Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a perfect example of that. It’s like the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli, all wrapped up in fluffy orzo pasta. Imagine that first bite: the richness of the cheese with a pop of freshness from the broccoli and a smooth texture from the orzo. Trust me, this dish is one of those that’ll have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or as a hearty side dish to complement any meal, Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Comforting and Satisfying

If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this dish is a dream come true. The cheese adds that creamy indulgence, while the orzo gives it that cozy, comforting feel.

Quick and Easy

No need for complicated steps here—this dish comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s great for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still want a homemade, delicious meal.

Vegetables in Disguise

Broccoli might be the star vegetable, but with all that cheese, even the pickiest eaters will love it. It’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal without anyone complaining.

Customizable

Want to mix things up? Add some cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein, or try a different cheese for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless.

Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is perfect for sharing. It’s a hit at family dinners, get-togethers, or potlucks, and it’s always guaranteed to be gobbled up fast!

Ingredients

• Orzo Pasta: The base of this dish. Orzo is small and rice-shaped, but it has that perfect pasta texture to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds color, crunch, and a healthy boost to this cheesy dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheese world for this dish. It melts beautifully and gives the orzo that rich, comforting flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra cheesy kick and a touch of sharpness to balance the richness of the cheddar.
• Cream Cheese: Helps make the sauce extra creamy and smooth. It’s the secret to that perfect creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Milk: To help thin the cheese sauce and give it the perfect consistency.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 440mg
• Potassium: 270mg
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo and Broccoli

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook with the orzo. Once both the orzo and broccoli are tender, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is combined and the mixture begins to heat through.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar

Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until it melts into the milk mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Once the cream cheese has melted, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked orzo and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the orzo and broccoli are fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like extra creaminess, add a splash more milk or a little more cream cheese.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Broccoli Cheese Orzo hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Orzo

As a Main Dish

This dish is filling enough to be served as a main course. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

As a Side Dish

It’s the perfect side to any protein! Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a veggie burger for a balanced meal.

For Meal Prep

This dish makes great leftovers! It reheats beautifully, so make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Add Protein

To turn this into a more filling meal, add some cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. You can even stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein boost.

Make it Extra Creamy

If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, try adding some heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce. You can also toss in a little extra cream cheese to thicken it up.

Swap the Veggies

While broccoli is a classic pairing, feel free to swap in other veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or peas for variety. You can even make it a fully-loaded veggie dish by tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Use Different Cheeses

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda would all work beautifully in this dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can swap it with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in a pan with a little milk to keep it creamy.

Q3: Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese Orzo?
A3: Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.

Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A4: Definitely! Frozen broccoli works great in this dish. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the pasta.

Q5: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheddar.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Q7: Can I add garlic to this dish?
A7: Yes! Feel free to sauté some garlic in the butter before adding the milk for an extra burst of flavor.

Q8: Can I make this spicy?
A8: Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce to add some heat.

Q9: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
A9: No worries! You can substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even skip it if you don’t have it on hand.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A10: Yes, you can! Any small pasta like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even farfalle would work beautifully in this dish.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Orzo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect side dish or main course, and it’s so easy to make that it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. With its irresistible flavor and simple ingredients, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for more. Grab your ingredients and make this creamy, cheesy goodness tonight!

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