One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo
A comforting, family-friendly dish that captures the essence of broccoli cheddar soup in a rich, cheesy orzo format. This simple, one-pan meal is quick to prepare, brimming with vegetables, and irresistibly creamy.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 whole sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup whole milk
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add the butter along with the olive oil. Once the mixture is hot, incorporate the finely chopped onion and a small pinch of salt, allowing it to cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes.
Introduce the garlic and carrots, stirring occasionally, and continue to cook until the garlic softens and its aroma becomes pronounced.
Stir in the dry orzo and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and let cook undisturbed for approximately 6 minutes.
Remove the lid, add the chopped broccoli and milk, stir to combine, and cover again. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the orzo reaches an al dente texture and the broccoli is tender.
Turn off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference. Serve immediately.