Dinner

Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

ByLily Cross October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly. With tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy orzo, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.

The dish shows creamy macaroni and cheese with bright green broccoli florets mixed throughout. The macaroni noodles are coated in rich, smooth, yellow cheese sauce, and the broccoli adds fresh green color and texture. The food is close up, filling the frame, with some cheese sauce glistening on the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the broccoli florets. Cover the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cheddar and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian, or chicken broth for added richness.
Swap out broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas for variety.
For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese or a splash more heavy cream.
If you prefer a sharper taste, use aged cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the orzo has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of macaroni and cheese mixed with bright green broccoli pieces. The dish has small, curved pasta coated in a smooth, creamy, yellow cheese sauce. The broccoli florets are scattered on top and inside, showing a rough texture that contrasts with the soft pasta. A spoon is partially visible, lifting the cheesy macaroni and broccoli, with the background of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the pot during simmering without thawing first, and cook until tender.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.