One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is an easy and comforting dish that combines creamy cheese, tender pasta, and nutritious broccoli all in one pot. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to please both kids and adults. By cooking everything together, you save time on clean-up, and you get a delicious meal with minimal effort.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to become slightly toasted.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the broccoli florets, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Serve One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo warm, straight from the pot. It makes a great main dish, but you can also serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish. The bright color of the broccoli and the creamy cheese make it an appealing addition to any plate.

How to Store One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up as the orzo may absorb the liquid when stored.

Tips to Make One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

• Make sure to sauté the onion and garlic well; this adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• If you like a stronger cheese flavor, feel free to mix in different types of cheese along with cheddar.
• For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas to the pot.

Variation

You can easily change up this recipe by adding other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. For a different flavor profile, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, but you might need to adjust the cooking time.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegan cheese and ensure that your vegetable broth is also vegan.

How can I make it creamy without cheese?
You can add a splash of non-dairy milk or a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without cheese.

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