Orzo pasta was invented in Greece to mimic rice grains, but Americans turned it into creamy comfort food perfection.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Indulge in the creamy delight of Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, where tender orzo pasta meets vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese! This quick 25-minute dish is a breeze to whip up, combining sautéed garlic and a splash of vegetable broth for a flavor-packed experience. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it's comfort food at its finest!
Prep
5
min
Cook
25
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥬Fresh Produce(3)
- 1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli (360 ml)
- 1 cup of chopped carrots (240 ml)
- salt, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasonings
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 1 1/2 cup of chicken broth (360 ml)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1 tbsp of butter (14 g)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup cream (120 ml)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1 cup of orzo (240 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Start with butter, chopped carrots, garlic, seasoning, and orzo.
- 2
Add chicken broth, simmer for a few minutes, and then add chopped broccoli.
- 3
Once the orzo and broccoli are tender, stir in cheddar cheese, serve, and enjoy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toast your orzo in the butter for 2-3 minutes until golden before adding liquid - this creates a nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain better texture by forming a protective starch shell.technique2-3 minutes
- ✓Add broccoli florets in the final 4-5 minutes of orzo cooking to preserve their bright green color and crisp-tender texture, as overcooking breaks down chlorophyll and creates mushy textures.timing4-5 minutes
- ✓Remove the pan from heat before stirring in cheddar cheese to prevent the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy sauce - residual heat at 140-160°F melts cheese smoothly.technique140-160°F
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of broth to orzo by volume, as orzo absorbs liquid more slowly than rice but faster than traditional pasta shapes due to its small surface area.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Cut carrots into 1/4-inch dice so they cook evenly with the orzo's 10-12 minute cooking time, preventing raw vegetables or mushy pasta.technique1/4-inch dice
Share this recipe
Prep
5
min
Cook
25
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Orzo pasta was invented in Greece to mimic rice grains, but Americans turned it into creamy comfort food perfection.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Indulge in the creamy delight of Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, where tender orzo pasta meets vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese! This quick 25-minute dish is a breeze to whip up, combining sautéed garlic and a splash of vegetable broth for a flavor-packed experience. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it's comfort food at its finest!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥬Fresh Produce(3)
- 1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli (360 ml)
- 1 cup of chopped carrots (240 ml)
- salt, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasonings
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 1 1/2 cup of chicken broth (360 ml)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1 tbsp of butter (14 g)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup cream (120 ml)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1 cup of orzo (240 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Start with butter, chopped carrots, garlic, seasoning, and orzo.
- 2
Add chicken broth, simmer for a few minutes, and then add chopped broccoli.
- 3
Once the orzo and broccoli are tender, stir in cheddar cheese, serve, and enjoy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toast your orzo in the butter for 2-3 minutes until golden before adding liquid - this creates a nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain better texture by forming a protective starch shell.technique2-3 minutes
- ✓Add broccoli florets in the final 4-5 minutes of orzo cooking to preserve their bright green color and crisp-tender texture, as overcooking breaks down chlorophyll and creates mushy textures.timing4-5 minutes
- ✓Remove the pan from heat before stirring in cheddar cheese to prevent the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy sauce - residual heat at 140-160°F melts cheese smoothly.technique140-160°F
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of broth to orzo by volume, as orzo absorbs liquid more slowly than rice but faster than traditional pasta shapes due to its small surface area.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Cut carrots into 1/4-inch dice so they cook evenly with the orzo's 10-12 minute cooking time, preventing raw vegetables or mushy pasta.technique1/4-inch dice