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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting, delicious dish that's quick to make and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 384

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fats
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
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
Seasonings
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • tsp cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • large deep skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. 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.
  3. Add in the orzo pasta. Stir and cook the orzo with the onion for 1 minute.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 24gSodium: 811mgFiber: 3g

Notes

Feel free to swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas, or use leftover roasted chicken for added protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently for the best texture.

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