Description
Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with cheesy goodness and quick, comforting cooking style. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth works for vegetarian option)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup/160g), finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 2: Add the dry orzo to the pot and toast it in the butter mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps the orzo maintain its texture throughout cooking.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir to combine. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until both the orzo and broccoli are tender. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid but still be slightly saucy. If it seems too dry, add a splash of broth or water.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. This adds richness and a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor in your Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo.
- Step 6: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo stand for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 7: Give your Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo a final stir before serving. The texture should be creamy and luscious, with the orzo perfectly tender and the broccoli vibrant green with a slight bite.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg