Oh boy, let me tell you about my favorite comfort food – Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl. I stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something rich and creamy, but still wanted to get in those greens. Broccoli is known for its good-for-you vibe, and what better way to enjoy it than smothered in cheesy goodness?
Every spoonful of this dish transports me back to cozy nights spent with my family, huddled up with bowls of creamy pasta while chatting about our day. It’s such an easy and delicious dish to whip up, perfect for when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss. Just a heads up, you might want to double the recipe because this one disappears quickly!
What’s in Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
Orzo Pasta: This little rice-shaped pasta is a base that makes the dish hearty. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce, making every bite indulgent.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: I usually opt for low-sodium broth to keep it healthy while still providing a rich flavor. You can go either way; vegetarian or not, it’ll be delicious!
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, whichever you have on hand! They add a lovely crunch and vibrant color to the dish. I prefer fresh for the texture, but frozen is great in a pinch.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of this dish! The sharper the cheddar, the more flavor you get. Go for the good stuff – trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Heavy Cream and Milk: These two work together to create a smooth, decadent sauce. You can mix and match based on what you have; I sometimes use half-and-half if I’m feeling a little adventurous.
Butter: A little fat to kick things off and bring a rich flavor to the garlic sauté.
Garlic: Because what isn’t better with a little garlic? It adds depth and warmth to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Just the basics to bring out all those delicious flavors. I always recommend tasting as you go to find your perfect seasoning.
Cracked Black Pepper: A finishing touch to add a little zing. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Extra Grated Cheddar Cheese: Need I say more? It’s cheese; add it liberally!
Is Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Good for You?
You might be thinking, “This sounds too good to be healthy!” Well, there are definitely some benefits here!
Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, and loaded with antioxidants, broccoli is great for your immune system. Toss in a healthy dose of fiber, and you’re off to a good start!
Cheddar Cheese: It brings that irresistible flavor, plus calcium and protein! Just remember to enjoy in moderation because it’s easy to go overboard.
Heavy Cream: While it delivers on creaminess, it does come with extra calories. If you’re watching your intake, you can swap some of this for additional milk or even some Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess without all the calories.
This pasta dish is comfort food at its finest, but pairing it with a fresh salad balances things out nicely!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cracked black pepper for garnish
– Extra grated cheddar cheese for garnish
*Serves 4*
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Just breathe in those delicious aromas!
2. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. We want the orzo to be just a tad golden – trust me, it amps up the flavor!
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
4. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. They’ll cook until tender and bright green!
5. Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and milk until everything is well-combined.
6. Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and wonderfully creamy! Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and cracked black pepper on top. Seriously, enjoy every bite!
Cheesy Tips for Cheesy Goodness
– For a little extra depth, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. The flavor combination is divine!
– Want some spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes can take this dish up a notch!
– If you have any leftovers (which I can’t promise will happen), this orzo reheats beautifully! Just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.
I truly hope you give this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo a try! It’s a fun and easy recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you or any tweaks you’ve made – let’s share the cheesy love!
