Broccoli Cheddar Orzo: A Cozy, Easy Comfort Food Delight
This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe combines creamy cheese and tender broccoli for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal
Vegetables
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets *
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Condiments
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth **
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
Spices
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cooking Instructions
Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds.
Add in the orzo pasta. Stir and cook the orzo with the onion for 1 minute.
Now pour in the chicken broth and room temperature heavy cream, along with the seasoning (salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper). Stir everything together well. Bring the skillet up to a light boil. As soon as it starts to boil reduce the heat to medium low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 5 minutes add the chopped broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo. Let the broccoli and orzo continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the shredded cheese. Turn off the heat. The cheese will continue to melt with the residual heat from the broccoli and orzo. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Recipes, orzo pasta, Vegetarian