Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Dinner

This broccoli cheddar orzo dinner combines tender orzo, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese into a creamy, comforting dish that comes together easily in one skillet. Its quick prep and clean—up make it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a warm and nourishing meal without fuss. The rich cheese sauce and vibrant veggies create a satisfying balance that makes this recipe a family favorite.

I first made this when I was short on time and ingredients, and it turned out so well that it quickly became a go—to in our household. Every time I bring it to the table, nobody can resist asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Butter: Butter offers richness and helps sauté the aromatics choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor
• Olive oil: Olive oil adds a fruity base note and prevents sticking pick extra virgin for a fresher taste
• Small onion: Small onion gives sweetness when softened look for one that feels firm and heavy to ensure freshness
• Garlic cloves: Garlic cloves bring bold aroma and zest use fresh for the most vibrant flavor
• Orzo: Orzo provides a tender pasta base that turns creamy as it cooks opt for a brand with a short ingredient list for quality
• Vegetable broth: Vegetable broth flavors the dish and adds depth select low sodium to better control seasoning
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream offers a silky texture room temperature cream blends more smoothly
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds tang shredding it yourself helps it melt evenly
• Broccoli florets: Broccoli florets contribute color and texture cut small so they cook quickly and evenly
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper balance all flavors season according to your taste
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder boosts savoriness and adds a subtle depth to the dish

Instructions

Prep and Sauté Aromatics:

Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium—high heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion, stirring frequently, until it is soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step builds a flavorful base by sweetening the onion without browning it.

Add Garlic and Orzo:

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Next, add the orzo and stir continuously for an additional minute to toast the pasta lightly. Toasting gives the orzo a nuttier flavor and prevents it from sticking.

Deglaze and Start the Sauce:

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream while stirring. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet, adding more depth to the sauce. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Cook Orzo:

Increase the heat to medium—high and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for five minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to promote even cooking.

Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking:

Evenly scatter broccoli florets over the orzo. Using a spoon, gently press the broccoli into the liquid but do not submerge it entirely. Let the mixture cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still retains a slight bite and the orzo is cooked through.

Add Cheese and Serve:

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the hand—shredded cheddar cheese over the hot orzo and stir until melted and creamy. Allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats every bite. Serve warm and enjoy.

There is something magical about sharp cheddar melting into this creamy orzo that elevates it beyond simple comfort food. I still recall my youngest sneaking extra bites of broccoli from my plate the first time I made this recipe, all because the cheesy sauce won her over.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. This dish also freezes well just cool completely before storing in a freezer—safe container. Remember that the sauce may thicken slightly after thawing, so stir in extra liquid as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap heavy cream for half and half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter version but the texture will be less silky. Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a new flavor profile. Gluten—free orzo can replace regular orzo, but watch the texture carefully as cooking times might vary. Feel free to add leftover vegetables such as peas or spinach near the end of cooking for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It works wonderfully as a crowd—pleasing side at potlucks or holiday dinners. A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or an extra handful of shredded cheese on top finishes the dish beautifully. It also pairs well alongside grilled chicken or roasted salmon.

This simple, creamy orzo is a reliable weeknight winner that is easy to scale and customize to taste.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets can be added directly without thawing. Just adjust cooking time until tender.

→ What kind of cheddar is best?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while mild cheddar offers a subtler taste. Fresh hand-shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

→ How do I prevent orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir orzo frequently during cooking and use enough butter and olive oil to keep it from sticking.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Replace butter, cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives to maintain creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I add protein for a heartier dish?

Yes, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu near the end of cooking for extra protein.