Broccoli cheddar orzo is a delicious one pot dinner made with broccoli and orzo cooked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This easy to make broccoli cheddar orzo is delicious, filling and always a smash hit with my family.

We have a couple vegetarians in our family and this is one of my go to recipes to make for them when they come over for dinner.

Broccoli and cheddar are a match made in heaven. Combine that with some pasta and it’s a total home run of a recipe.

This recipe is super easy to put together, too. The ingredients are simple and most of them I usually have on hand.

It’s creamy, cheesy and super satisfying. My two little boys aren’t huge fans of vegetables in general but they don’t mind the broccoli in this pasta at all.

This is a great recipe to make for a busy weeknight because it can be ready to eat and on the table in under 30 minutes.

I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you’ll love it just as much as my family and I do.

Fast. Simple. Delicious.

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Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Variations

I like this orzo recipe made just the way it is, but here are some ways to change it up if you’d like to.

• Pasta- Daltini or small shells can be used instead of Orzo.
• Broth- Vegetable or Chicken broth can both be used here.
• Carrots- Feel free to add some shredded carrots to the onions while they’re sautéing.
• Cheese- Cheddar or sharp cheddar cheeses are the best picks for this recipe. Just be sure to shred the cheese yourself because it will melt much better that way.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

If you like super easy to make pasta recipes like this one, here are some others that I know you’ll love, too.

• Creamy Orzo With Chicken
• Baked Italian Sunset Pasta
• Million Dollar Tortellini
• Sour Cream And Onion Egg Noodles

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Ingredients

• Butter
• Olive Oil
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Orzo
• Broccoli Florets, cut into small pieces
• Vegetable Broth
• Heavy Cream, room temperature
• Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
• Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder

Instructions

First, in a large skillet, heat the oil and butter together over medium high heat.

Once the butter is melted, add the onion and sauté until soft.

Now, add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute.

Then, add the orzo and sauté for another minute.

Next, slowly pour in the vegetable broth.

Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream.

Then, season the orzo with salt, pepper and garlic powder and stir it in.

Next, turn the heat up to medium high and once it begins to gently boil, turn the heat down to low and let the orzo cook for 5 minutes.

Now, add the broccoli florets.

Then, using a wooden spoon or spatula, move the florets around so that they are partially submerged in the liquid.

Next, cook the broccoli and orzo for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the broccoli and orzo are soft.

Then, turn the heat off on the burner and add in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Next, stir the cheese in until it’s melted.

Finally, let it cool slightly, serve warm and enjoy!