Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot dish combining tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and rich melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, delivering flavorful cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to develop the base flavor.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it evenly with the garlic and oil. Toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a light simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli and Orzo: Add the chopped broccoli, stir, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the orzo is tender and the broccoli turns bright green.
- Incorporate Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika and red chili flakes. Mix well until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either dairy or plant-based milk according to your dietary preferences.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or beans.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices.
- Making this dish in one pan saves on cleanup time.
- Optional chili flakes add a slight kick, omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
