Description

A comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce all prepared in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, this recipe delivers rich flavors and vibrant textures with simplicity and ease.

Ingredients

– 1 cup orzo (or substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free orzo)

– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or substitute with mozzarella, Gruyère, or plant-based cheese)

– 1/2 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or plant-based like almond milk)

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)

– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Optional: red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crispy bacon bits

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast Orzo: Stir in 1 cup of orzo, coating it evenly with the butter. Toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
Add Cheese and Milk: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

– Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.

– For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

– For meal prep, prepare the dish ahead of time without adding the cheese. Stir in the cheese when reheating for fresh results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
Method: One-Pot Cooking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: ~350 kcal
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~450mg
Fat: ~15g
Saturated Fat: ~9g
Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fiber: ~3g
Protein: ~12g
Cholesterol: ~40mg