Indulge in the comforting flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli, and creamy orzo with this quick and easy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo recipe, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Whenever I whip up this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo, I’m transported back to my college days. My roommate and I, strapped for time and resources, stumbled upon a similar dish at a local café. We fell in love instantly! The dish was our go-to comfort food during finals week, offering a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl that seemed to make all our academic stress momentarily disappear. Now, every time I make it, it’s like reliving those chaotic yet cherished moments, with the added bonus of feeling like a kitchen pro!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Step into your kitchen and create magic with the One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, soul-soothing meal. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
- Simplicity: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more relaxation after dinner.
- Speed: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese with the freshness of broccoli and the heartiness of orzo ensures a taste that is both rich and satisfying.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable with various substitutions and additions to suit any dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Comfort Food: Reminiscent of a classic broccoli cheddar soup, this dish provides all the comfort with added substance from the orzo.
Ingredients Notes
To maximize the flavors and textures in your One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo, paying attention to your ingredients is key. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for a good quality sharp cheddar for that deep, tangy flavor which balances the creaminess of the milk.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli crowns are ideal as they provide a nice crunch and vibrant color. Make sure to cut the florets into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics should be finely chopped to distribute their flavor throughout the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Orzo Pasta: Ensure you toast the orzo slightly in the pot before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Broth and Milk: Using low-sodium broth keeps the sodium content in check, and whole milk adds to the creaminess without making it too heavy.
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How To Make This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Creating this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is like conducting a symphony where each ingredient gets a chance to shine. Follow these detailed steps for a flawless execution:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by shredding the cheddar cheese and chopping the broccoli into florets and stems, ensuring everything is ready to go. This helps in having a smooth cooking process without any delays.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and broccoli stems with some salt and pepper. This base will infuse your dish with deep flavors right from the start.
- Add Broccoli and Seasonings: Once the onions are translucent, add the broccoli florets and seasonings, stirring frequently to ensure the florets are evenly cooked and vibrant in color.
- Toast the Orzo: Introducing the orzo into the pot and toasting it slightly before adding liquids helps in releasing its nutty flavor, which complements the creamy texture later.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom, then simmer until the orzo is just tender.
- Final Touches: Stir in the milk, then add the butter and shredded cheese off the heat, allowing them to gently melt into the orzo, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly, ensuring each bite is perfectly saucy and satisfying.
Storage Options
For storing the One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
This One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is wonderfully versatile. Here are some creative ways to tweak it to your liking or to use what you have on hand:
- Cheese Varieties: Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add Proteins: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for added protein.
- Vegetable Swaps: Replace broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or a similar small pasta to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Spice It Up: Increase the ground mustard and cayenne pepper, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 pound of fresh broccoli crowns
- 1 large yellow onion
- 6 cloves of garlic large
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 and 3/4 teaspoons of kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper divided
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of dry ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper optional
- 1 pound of dried orzo pasta
- 1 carton 32 ounces of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (approximately scant 4 cups)
- 1 cup of whole or 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Instructions
Preparation of Cheese and Broccoli:
- Utilize the smaller holes of a box grater to shred 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese into approximately 2 packed cups. Remove the stem end from 1 pound of broccoli crowns. Detach the florets from the stems and divide them into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Dice the stems into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
Chopping of Aromatics:
- Finely chop 1 large yellow onion until you have about 2 cups and add it to the bowl containing the broccoli stems. Mince 6 large garlic cloves to yield about 4 teaspoons.
Sautéing Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the chopped onion and broccoli stems, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the stems nearly tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Incorporating Broccoli Florets:
- Introduce the broccoli florets to the pot along with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne if using. Stir well and cook until the florets turn vibrant green, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Adding Garlic and Orzo:
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 1 pound of dried orzo pasta and continue to stir constantly, allowing the orzo to toast slightly for about 1 minute.
Deglazing and Simmering:
- Pour in one 32-ounce carton of low-sodium broth and stir to combine while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue cooking, stirring every minute and scraping the pot’s bottom, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed but is still glossy, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes, or according to the package instructions.
Final Addition and Melting:
- Add 1 cup of whole or 2% milk, stir to combine, and continue to simmer until the orzo is al dente but still saucy, about 1 minute more.
- Remove the pot from heat, incorporate 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the shredded cheese, stirring until both are completely melted and the orzo appears glossy and saucy.
Resting and Serving:
- Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking to let the sauce thicken. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
