Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
This creamy one pot broccoli cheddar orzo is a delicious and easy comfort food dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese.
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute, then toast the orzo pasta for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, adding broccoli and cooking for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, and optionally garnish with extra cheddar and black pepper before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can replace broccoli with spinach, peas, or kale. For added heat, include red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.