Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

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If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is your weeknight savior. It’s a dreamy dish where tender orzo pasta swirls into a rich cheddar cheese sauce, all hugged together with vibrant bites of broccoli. The result? A comforting, spoonable meal that tastes like an upgraded mac and cheese with a healthy green twist.

Perfect for busy evenings or a lazy Sunday, this recipe cooks entirely in one pot (yes, even the orzo!), making cleanup as breezy as the prep. Whether you serve it as a meatless main or alongside your favorite protein, this dish will steal the spotlight with its velvety texture and deep cheesy flavor.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

You can use any regular orzo pasta found at your grocery store, whether it’s traditional semolina or whole wheat. The key is to avoid overcooking it. Since it cooks right in the pot with the broth and cheese, it soaks up all the flavor and gets ultra creamy without needing to drain.

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Ingredients for the Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Orzo Pasta – This short, rice-shaped pasta cooks fast and soaks up flavor beautifully, giving a creamy risotto-like consistency without the effort.

Broccoli Florets – Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Chop them small so they cook quickly and evenly.

Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and that luscious melt. Freshly shredded is best for smoother melting.

Vegetable Broth – Infuses the orzo with savory flavor as it cooks, replacing the need to boil in water.

Milk or Cream – Makes the final dish rich and velvety. Use whole milk or cream depending on how indulgent you want it.

Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the orzo before liquid is added, boosting the nutty flavor.

Garlic – Just a bit of minced garlic enhances the savory base of the dish.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors. Taste and adjust before serving.

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How To Make the Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and orzo pasta. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo is slightly toasted.

Step 2: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the orzo cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

When the orzo is nearly tender and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Cover the pan and let steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just fork-tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Creaminess

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything melts together into a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot straight from the pot as a hearty vegetarian main or as a cheesy side dish with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even meatballs. For a little crunch, top with crispy onions or toasted breadcrumbs.

To store leftovers, transfer the orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture. It also makes a great lunchbox option since it reheats well in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it before adding in Step 3. It won’t be as crisp as fresh, but it still works well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can swap the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped alternatives, though the texture may differ slightly.

What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?

Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for a gourmet twist.

How do I avoid mushy orzo?

Watch your simmer time and stir regularly. Remove from heat when the orzo is al dente and finish with cheese off heat.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy flavor, and the broccoli is soft enough for picky eaters to enjoy.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Stir in rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or even canned white beans for a complete meal.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this one-pot broccoli cheddar orzo, you might want to try some of these other cheesy and comforting favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for an all-in-one skillet meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving comfort with a Philly twist.
• Red Pepper Rigatoni for a bold, veggie-packed pasta night.
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef to satisfy your garlic and beef cravings.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you want minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra cheesy? Add a protein twist? Sneak in extra veggies?

I love hearing how others put their spin on comfort food. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other make weeknight meals stress-free and satisfying.

✨ For more recipes just like this one, follow me on Pinterest – Life with Jam

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