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- Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You need 1 cup for a creamy texture. - Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition. Use 2 cups for a nice balance. - Onion and Garlic: A small onion, diced, and 2 cloves of minced garlic give depth to the dish. - Vegetable Broth and Heavy Cream: Four cups of broth create the base. One cup of cream adds richness. - Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar for a strong, cheesy flavor. - Olive Oil and Seasonings: One tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the onions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. These ingredients come together to make a comforting, creamy dish. Each part plays a vital role in flavor and texture. You can customize the spices or add more veggies based on your taste. First, I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, I add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent and soft. Then, I stir in minced garlic and cook it for 1 more minute. The garlic gives off a nice aroma. Now, it's time to toast the orzo pasta. I add the orzo to the pot and stir it for about 2 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the orzo firm. Next, I pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. I add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. This mix brings rich flavor. I bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. I cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. I want the orzo to be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. Once the orzo is cooked, I stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I mix them until the dish is creamy and smooth. I taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, I remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This helps the dish thicken. Then, I serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheddar on top. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo! Choosing the Right Cheese I love using sharp cheddar cheese for this dish. It melts well and adds rich flavor. You could try a mix of cheeses too. Gouda or Monterey Jack also work nicely. Ensuring Proper Cooking Time Timing is key to creamy orzo. Cook for 10-12 minutes on low heat. Keep an eye on the orzo. You want it al dente, not mushy. This helps the dish stay creamy and not watery. Overcooking the Broccoli Don’t let the broccoli cook too long. Add it with the broth and cook for just 10-12 minutes. This keeps it bright green and crisp. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses nutrients. Skipping the Toasting Step Always toast the orzo before adding broth. This step adds depth to the flavor. Toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring often. It makes a big difference in taste. Ideal Pairings for the Dish This creamy orzo pairs well with a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread also complements it nicely. You could even serve it with grilled chicken for protein. Garnishing Ideas for Presentation Make your dish pop with fresh parsley on top. A sprinkle of extra cheddar adds color and flavor. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. {{image_2}} Chicken or Shrimp Options You can add chicken or shrimp for more protein. Cook diced chicken in the pot before adding onion and garlic. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. They will cook quickly and add a nice flavor. Plant-based Alternatives For a vegan option, use chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture. Toss them in with the broth to cook through. You can also add tofu for another great plant-based choice. Gluten-Free Substitutes If you need gluten-free, swap orzo with gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great versions. Just cook it according to the package directions. Adjust the broth amount as needed to keep it creamy. Vegan Modifications To make this dish vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without dairy. Adding Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish. Try adding basil or thyme for a fresh twist. Stir them in just before serving to keep their flavor bold. Experimenting with Other Vegetables You can mix in different vegetables like spinach or peas. They cook quickly and add color. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain the taste and creaminess. - Freezing Techniques: You can also freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To warm up your orzo, you want to keep it creamy: - Best Practices for Retaining Creaminess: Add a splash of milk or cream during reheating. This helps restore its silky texture. - Microwave vs Stovetop Methods: The stovetop is best for even heating. Place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. The microwave works too; use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to trap moisture. Knowing how long your dish lasts is key: - Understanding Expiration: If stored properly, enjoy within 3-4 days in the fridge. If frozen, use within 2 months for best flavor. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these, it's best to toss the dish. Yes, you can! Regular pasta works well as a substitute. You may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, small shapes like macaroni or ditalini fit best. Remember to check the package for cooking times. This way, your pasta cooks just right. Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance. Cook the orzo and mix in the cream and cheese. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Yes, this recipe shines for meal prep. It stores well and reheats nicely. Divide the creamy orzo into containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. This dish makes tasty lunches or quick dinners. Just remember to stir in some extra liquid when reheating for the best texture. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe using orzo pasta, broccoli, and cheese. We covered each step, from sautéing onions to adding cream and seasonings. I also offered tips to make it creamy and tasty, shared variations for different diets, and provided storage advice for leftovers. With these insights, you can create a delicious dish that satisfies everyone. Enjoy experimenting and simplifying meal prep with this recipe!

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Discover the deliciousness of One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, a simple yet satisfying dish that will become a family favorite! This easy recipe combines orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pot for quick cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this meal is ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and start your culinary adventure!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

        Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

            Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving.

                Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top for a vibrant finish.