Description

This creamy Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines tender steamed broccoli with cheesy goodness. The orzo pasta is cooked to perfection, then tossed in a rich cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, enriched with butter and milk for a velvety texture. It’s an ideal weeknight meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

Cheese and Dairy

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the cooked orzo and set it aside to keep warm.
Steam the Broccoli: While the orzo is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the milk or heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine: Add the cooked orzo and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and heat through.
Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot as a satisfying main or side dish.

Notes

For extra creaminess, substitute milk with heavy cream.
You can add cooked chicken or bacon for added protein.
Use gluten-free orzo if you need a gluten-free option.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using pre-salted cheeses.
Freshly grated Parmesan yields better melting and flavor than pre-grated.