I remember the first time I made this dish; my little niece was visiting, a notoriously picky eater, and I was determined to sneak some veggies into her meal – and boy, did it work! This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is the ultimate comfort food, a cheesy, veggie-packed delight that even the fussiest eaters will adore, and I promise, you’re going to absolutely nail it.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo: Your New Weeknight Hero
Let’s be honest, weeknights can be chaotic. Between work, errands, and maybe even wrangling kids (or pets!), the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo comes in. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. I call it the “easy button” for dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and fun pasta shape make it a hit with kids (and adults!).
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and satisfying – perfect for a cozy night in.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by long lists – this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo uses pantry staples and easily accessible ingredients:
- Orzo Pasta: The star of the show! Its rice-like shape makes it perfect for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, both work great. If using frozen, thaw them slightly beforehand.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to use your favorite blend.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the orzo. You can substitute vegetable broth if preferred.
- Onion: Adds a savory note.
- Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Nutmeg (a pinch adds warmth), red pepper flakes (for a little kick).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Okay, let’s break down the process. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First, chop your onion and garlic. Cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Grate your cheddar cheese. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is similar to how we start our Creamy Orzo With Chicken recipe, so you already might be familiar with this technique!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
While the orzo is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is crucial for a creamy sauce – don’t skip it! If you want an even richer sauce, a splash of heavy cream at the end is a great addition.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese and Orzo
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. Just like in our Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, cheese is the key to happiness!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Broccoli Cheddar Orzo immediately. Garnish with extra cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Prepare for rave reviews!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Overcooked orzo will be mushy. Cook it al dente, just until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, melty sauce.
- Adjust the Cheese: Use more or less cheese depending on your preference. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little Parmesan.
- Add Some Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Consider a similar kick to our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Add other veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo pasta.
- Preventing a Grainy Cheese Sauce: Make sure to cook the roux properly (flour and butter mixture) before adding the milk. Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat and don’t let the sauce boil vigorously.
- Too Thick? If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Too Thin? If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a protein boost. This essentially turns it into a Chicken Broccoli Orzo!
- Sausage Broccoli Orzo: Use Italian sausage, chorizo, or any other sausage you enjoy.
- Shrimp Broccoli Orzo: Add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Bacon Broccoli Orzo: Everything’s better with bacon, right?
- Spicy Broccoli Orzo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Orzo: Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding extra veggies.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Roasted Chicken: A classic combination.
- Grilled Salmon: A healthy and flavorful option.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that cheesy sauce.
- Side Salad: For a lighter meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare some of the components of this Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights:
- Chop the onion and garlic: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Grate the cheese: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cook the orzo: Cook the orzo according to the recipe instructions and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, add it to the cheese sauce and heat through.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up, as the orzo tends to absorb the sauce as it sits. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it slightly before adding it to the skillet. You may need to cook it for a few minutes longer than fresh broccoli.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even shells. However, orzo is traditionally used in this dish and provides a unique texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese. Look for plant-based alternatives at your local grocery store.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese, as well as ensuring that your broth is vegetable-based.
My cheese sauce is lumpy. What did I do wrong?
A lumpy cheese sauce is usually caused by not whisking the milk in gradually enough or by cooking the sauce over too high of heat. Next time, make sure to whisk the milk in slowly and cook the sauce over medium-low heat. If your sauce is already lumpy, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth it out.
My cheese sauce is too thick. What can I do?
If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. Stir until smooth.
My cheese sauce is too thin. What can I do?
If your cheese sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to help thicken it.
Get Ready to Enjoy!
So there you have it! Your guide to making the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your culinary masterpieces! And if you’re looking for another cheesy pasta bake, you might just love our Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole! Happy cooking!
Can I add protein to the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
Yes! The recipe is versatile. You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
What can I do to prevent a grainy cheese sauce?
Make sure to cook the roux properly (flour and butter mixture) before adding the milk. Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat and don’t let the sauce boil vigorously.
How long can I store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
Store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
What other vegetables can I add to the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
You can get creative with other veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the onion and garlic. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Grate the cheddar cheese.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the orzo is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
