This broccoli cheddar orzo is an easy one-pot side dish recipe that will take about 30 minutes to make. It’s cheesy and delicious, and it pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
Sides can make or break a meal if you ask me, so I always try to put as much thought into them as I do my main courses. When you pair a great main dish with an equally great side you get a meal that leaves everyone feeling as full in their hearts as it does in their belly. That’s why I’m a big fan of sides like this cheesy broccoli orzo. This dish is so hearty and cheesy, and it’s loaded with broccoli. It makes the perfect side for any meal, and it’s a fantastic addition to potlucks, too! Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that it’s ridiculously easy to make! You can’t beat that combination.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
This dish combines orzo pasta, broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce to create a dish that has everyone coming back for more. Onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings combine with creamed soup and vegetable broth for a ton of flavor. Then, it’s all combined with broccoli, orzo, and a ton of cheddar cheese to create a cheesy side dish that you just cannot beat. It’s a dish that’s full of as much nostalgia as it is flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, and only uses one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- It’s a delicious side dish that goes great with beef, chicken, pork, or fish.
- It only takes a few simple ingredients that are easily found at your local grocery store.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Ingredients
You’ll only need some basic ingredients to make this dish. It only takes a few minutes of shopping in two aisles!
- Orzo pasta
- Butter
- Onion
- Cloves garlic
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Cream chicken soup
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Water
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Making this recipe is just as easy as gathering up the ingredients. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in just about half an hour!
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Add the onions and orzo to a large skillet or large pot with butter. Saute over medium heat until the onions are tender, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo and Broccoli
Add the seasonings, soup, broth, water, and broccoli. Stir. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
When the orzo is cooked, sprinkle the cheese over the top and let it melt. Stir to combine and enjoy!
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
This delicious, cheesy side is perfect with almost any main course of chicken, beef, pork, or fish. It’s also an especially delicious side for get-togethers like backyard barbecues and potlucks. Serve it with almost anything!
Recipe FAQ
What is orzo?
Orzo is short-cut pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s cooked in the same way as other pastas.
What can I use instead of orzo?
You can use any small pasta in place of orzo. You can also use quinoa, which is a grain, or rice. Some examples of great orzo substitutes include:
- Stelline
- Couscous
- Ditalini
- Small elbow macaroni
- Quinoa
- Arborio rice
Is orzo the same as risotto?
No. Orzo is pasta that is used in a variety of ways and dishes. Meanwhile, risotto is a dish made with Arborio rice.
How long will broccoli cheddar orzo last in the fridge?
This dish will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered in its original dish.
Can you freeze broccoli cheddar orzo?
Absolutely. This dish freezes very well and will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Store and Reheat leftovers
Store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container or in its original dish covered with foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
To reheat, place it in a baking dish with a bit of water, cover, and bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.
Try This Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe Today
This delicious side dish is loaded with tender orzo pasta, broccoli, and tons of cheddar cheese. It’s a rich, creamy, cheese side dish perfect with almost any main and perfectly suited for adding to any party or potluck. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it for everything from weeknight dinners to big get-togethers.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Macaroni Salad – This is a family favorite macaroni salad made with pasta, hard-boiled eggs, red onion, dill pickle relish, celery, mayo and mustard. It’s a delicious side dish for backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, potlucks or a family dinner side dish.
Potato Salad – A hearty and delicious side dish that is always a welcomed side dish at parties, BBQs, potlucks. Potatoes, eggs, pickles, onions, and a few more ingredients. So delicious!
Cajun Buttered Corn on the Cob – This side dish recipe is made with fresh corn on the cob, butter, lime juice, Cajun seasoning, and garlic salt. Easy, and delicious!
And, here is a delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad from Great Grub, Delicious Treats, that you will enjoy as well.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Ingredients
- 16 ounce orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 10.75 ounce cream chicken soup
- 32 ounce vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounce fresh broccoli florets approximately 4 cups, cut into smaller pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and orzo and cook until onions are tender and then add garlic. Cook for an additional minute or two.
- Next, add seasonings, pepper, soup, broth, water, and broccoli. Stir to combine. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
- Once the orzo is soft, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt. Stir to combine and serve hot.
Notes
Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards on Pinterest. Also, you can follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Remember to “like” or “follow” us on all social media.
