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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is key for this recipe. I recommend using organic broccoli. It adds a crisp taste and bright color. The orzo pasta is the heart of this dish. It cooks quickly and gives a nice texture. The sharp cheddar brings a rich, cheesy flavor. Parmesan adds depth and a bit of saltiness. Fresh garlic and onion bring warmth to the dish. Don’t forget the heavy cream! It makes the orzo creamy and smooth. I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. It gives a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors. Finally, the fresh parsley is not just for looks. It adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness. When you have everything ready, cooking becomes fun and easy. You’ll enjoy every step of making this creamy, flavorful dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add some salt to the water. Once the water boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Heat it over a medium flame. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell wonderful. Now, toss in 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the broccoli soften while keeping some crunch. After that, pour in 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring this to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Add the drained orzo back into the pot. Then, mix in ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy. Carefully season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything until well combined and heated through. Serve the creamy orzo warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy every bite! To cook orzo perfectly, you need to pay attention to a few details. - Achieving Al Dente Texture: Start by boiling salted water. Add orzo and stir well. Check it a minute or two before the time on the package. It should be firm but not hard. This texture makes every bite a joy. - Preventing Stickiness: To keep orzo from sticking, stir it often while cooking. Once it's done, drain it right away. Rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta separate and fluffy. Adding spices and different cheeses can elevate your dish. - Suggestions for Spices and Seasonings: Besides salt and pepper, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder. A pinch of smoked paprika can give a nice depth. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, as mentioned in the recipe. - Cheese Recommendations for Different Tastes: While sharp cheddar gives a classic taste, try using gouda for a smoky flavor. For a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese. Each cheese brings its own charm to the dish. A beautiful dish makes every meal special. - How to Serve for Visual Appeal: Use wide, shallow bowls for serving. This allows the creamy orzo to spread out. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a nice touch. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. - Using Garnishes Effectively: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on just before serving. This adds color and freshness. Consider adding a few lemon zest shavings for a pop of flavor. Pro Tips Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting properties and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of your sauce. Custom Broth Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine to the pot when sautéing the vegetables. Perfect Broccoli Texture: To ensure your broccoli stays vibrant and slightly crunchy, don’t overcook it. Keep an eye on it during the sautéing and simmering stages. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture. {{image_4}} You can change up the veggies in your broccoli cheddar orzo for fun. Zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers all blend well. Seasonal veggies like asparagus in spring or pumpkin in fall can add fresh flavors. Try adding peas or carrots for extra color and crunch. For a heartier meal, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Just cook the protein first, then mix it in after the orzo. If you want a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or white beans. Tofu is also a tasty choice. If you need a dairy-free dish, try non-dairy cheese and cream. Almond or cashew cheese melts well and gives a nice flavor. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a rich texture. There are many vegan options available to make this dish plant-based. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To store your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing. Place the container in the fridge. Proper storage can keep it fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. It can last in the freezer for about 2 months. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat orzo is on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Heat the pot over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to add moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to warm it evenly without drying it out. Enjoy your creamy dish just as much as the first time! Yes, you can prepare Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead. To do this, cook the orzo and vegetables as usual. Then, let them cool fully before storing. Place the dish in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish stays fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. If you don’t have orzo, you can use several other pasta types. Try small shapes like ditalini or elbows. You can even use rice for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. The key is to keep an eye on the texture so it stays tender yet firm. To make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo gluten-free, switch to gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great options. Check the package for cooking times, as they can differ. You can also use quinoa or brown rice as an alternative. Both add a nice texture and flavor while keeping the dish gluten-free. Yes, Broccoli Cheddar Orzo can be frozen. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth for creaminess. This blog post covered how to create a creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo dish. We talked about the key ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and helpful tips. You learned about storing leftovers and explored variations for this recipe. In closing, remember that this dish is adaptable, delicious, and easy to make. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with the flavors!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside.
  • In the same pot, add the extra-virgin olive oil and heat over medium flame. Toss in the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until it releases its aromatic fragrance.
  • Incorporate the broccoli florets into the pot, stirring well. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to begin softening while retaining some crunch.
  • Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  • Stir in the pre-cooked orzo, followed by the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt beautifully and the mixture transforms into a creamy sauce.
  • Carefully season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until evenly combined and heated through, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Serve the creamy orzo warm, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve the orzo in wide, shallow bowls and finish with an extra sprinkling of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, pasta