One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

5 from 2 votes

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This broccoli cheddar orzo dish is inspired by broccoli cheddar soup. It all cooks in one pot and ends up with a creamy risotto-like consistency.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Broccoli, One Pot, Orzo

Servings:

Author: Carolyn Stilwell

Equipment

Ingredients

2 teaspoon Unsalted Butter
1 container Mirepoix (Onion, Celery, Carrot) I used 1 container of Trader Joe's Mirepoix - or finely dice 1/2 yellow onion, 3 carrots, and 3 stalks of celery
3 cloves Garlic minced
12 oz Broccoli chopped
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper to taste
2.5 cups Chicken Broth divided
1 cup Orzo Pasta dry
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne add less based on spice preference
1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 cup Half and Half can substitute milk or heavy cream
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly grated, more to serve

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Melt butter in a large wide sauté pan or Dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add broccoli, season to taste with salt & pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. You can immersion blend in the pan or transfer to a blender at this point for a smoother consistency. Add orzo and mix well to combine. Add cayenne, smoked paprika, dry mustard, nutmeg, and salt & pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil then turn heat down to medium low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and orzo is cooked through. I had to add another .5 cups of chicken broth throughout the process.
Once the orzo is cooked through, turn heat to low. Pour in half and half and mix to combine. Stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately with additional cheese.

Video

@carolbeecooks
February Orzo Series: One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Inspired Orzo 🥦 #orzo #orzotiktok #orzotok #broccolicheddar #onepotmeals
♬ Drugs N Hella Melodies (feat. Kali Uchis) - Don Toliver

Nutrition