Name: Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta (about 200 g); 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Description

A cozy and quick one-pot meal featuring orzo pasta, tender broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, cooked to creamy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta (about 200 g)
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep: Chop broccoli, grate the cheddar, and measure the broth before you start.
Melt the butter in a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the dry orzo. Toast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring.
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broccoli florets on top of the orzo, recover, and cook another 4–6 minutes until the orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green.
Lower the heat and stir in the milk or half-and-half, then gradually add the grated cheddar a handful at a time. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or milk and heat through.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheddar for the best texture. If using pre-shredded cheese, the sauce may be slightly grainier.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 40mg