Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. It melts well and adds creaminess. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and vibrant color. You can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. Make sure to chop it into small pieces for even cooking. The vegetable broth adds depth. Choose a low-sodium version if you want to control salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheddar or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you don't have orzo, use another small pasta like ditalini or even rice. You can also swap olive oil for butter for a richer taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium pot and bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. This broth adds great flavor to our orzo. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. You want the orzo to be al dente, so check it a minute early. After cooking, drain any extra liquid. While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until it looks translucent. This step builds a nice base of flavor. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. You’ll smell its rich aroma. Now, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green. This keeps them crunchy and fresh. Once your orzo is ready, add it to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes. It will thicken slightly. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together for a deliciously creamy finish. Let it sit for a minute before serving. To cook orzo perfectly, start with boiling salted water. Add the orzo to the pot and stir. This helps prevent sticking. Cook it until al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any extra water promptly. Overcooked orzo can turn mushy. Rinse it under cold water if you're not using it right away. This stops the cooking process. For a creamy texture, heavy cream is key. Add it after the orzo is cooked and drained. Let it simmer gently. This helps it blend well with the cheese. Gradually stir in sharp cheddar cheese. This keeps the sauce smooth. If it gets too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. This will bring it back to life. Spices can take your dish to the next level. A pinch of paprika adds warmth and a nice color. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. They help balance the flavors. Fresh parsley is a great garnish too. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen broccoli. Choose bright green florets for the best flavor. Cheese Selection: For a more complex flavor, try mixing different types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack with the sharp cheddar. This will elevate the creaminess and taste. Cooking Orzo: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente before combining with the other ingredients. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish. Garnishing: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. This can brighten the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can boost your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo by adding protein. Chicken or turkey works great. Simply cook the meat in the skillet before adding the onion. If you prefer seafood, shrimp adds a nice touch. Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink. For a plant-based option, try adding chickpeas or lentils. They give you protein and fiber while keeping it hearty. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegan cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor. If you want more nutrients, add spinach or kale. These greens blend well and add a lovely color. You can change the veggies based on the season. In spring, try asparagus or peas for a fresh taste. In summer, zucchini and bell peppers are great choices. For fall, consider adding squash or carrots. Winter brings hearty veggies like Brussels sprouts or kale. Each swap will change the flavor and keep the dish exciting. To store leftovers of your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo, let it cool first. Place the orzo in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the orzo in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a bit of cream if needed. If you freeze your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo, it can last for up to three months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Try mozzarella, gouda, or even cream cheese. Each cheese adds a different flavor. For a tangy taste, use feta. If you want it extra creamy, go for cream cheese. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many stores sell it now. Also, check the vegetable broth for gluten-free labels. This way, you can enjoy this creamy dish without worry. You can serve it with a fresh salad. A crunchy green salad pairs well. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a nice addition too. For a light touch, serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette. Each option enhances your meal and adds variety. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. We explored the key ingredients and suggested substitutes. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions to help you get the best results. You learned tips for a creamy texture and flavor enhancements. We also discussed variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, this dish is versatile, easy, and satisfying. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your cooking!$

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente.
While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes until they are bright green.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess liquid and add it to the skillet with the broccoli.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure everything is fully combined.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken further before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheddar cheese.

Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, pasta