One Pot Orzo Mac and Cheese
Updated Nov 02, 2025, Published on Feb 18, 2023
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Everyone loves a one pot recipe and an easy orzo recipe. This One Pot Orzo Mac and Cheese recipe is BOTH! Mac and cheese without the "mac".
One Pot Orzo Mac and Cheese recipe details
Cheeses
I think cheddar gruyere cheese is perfect for this dish. It's creamy, a little nutty, and has a good sharpness. It also melts into the orzo wonderfully. I think some sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese, or gouda cheese would also be delicious. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses or switch up the cheese you use in this recipe.
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne - cayenne pepper adds a little heat to this creamy dish. If you don't like spice, feel free to leave it out or cut the amount in half. If you love spice, feel free to add a little extra!
- Dry Mustard - dry mustard (aka mustard powder) may sound a little strange, but dry mustard is delicious in mac & cheese! It adds a slight acidity and tanginess that cuts through the rich cheesy sauce.
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter - I love using Kerrygold butter for cooking! It has a lot more flavor than regular butter so it's a great first ingredient for a flavorful dish.
- 1 cup Orzo - add your orzo uncooked - super easy! The orzo will toast in the butter and then cook in the chicken broth and half & half.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth - I often use water and some Low-Sodium Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base. I use chicken broth in many of my recipes and a jar still lasts for months. I have found it's much more convenient to keep a jar of it on hand rather than buying cans or cartons of chicken broth all of the time.
- 1/2 cup Half and Half - half & half is a mixture of cream and milk that you can buy in the grocery store. It's a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Feel free to use heavy cream for a richer sauce!
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One Pot Orzo Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Pan I used the Our Place Always Pan because it's deep enough to hold liquid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups Chicken Broth, use more as needed
- 1/2 cup Half and Half, can also use heavy cream
- 2 cups Cheddar Gruyere Cheese, freshly grated; can substitute any cheese you prefer
Seasonings
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard
Instructions
- Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, half & half, and all seasonings. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add more chicken broth if needed to cook orzo.
- Once the orzo is cooked, turn off the heat. Add freshly grated cheese and stir to combine until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Video
@carolbeecooks Reply to @active.avocado recipe for the most delicious one pot orzo mac & cheese! #orzo #orzotok #onepan #macandcheese
♬ Lost - Frank Ocean
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I mean really what’s not to like here?! So good! I love your orzo recipes. This one was so good and easy to make