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To make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients come together to create a creamy, comforting dish that's easy to prepare. The orzo pasta absorbs the broth, making each bite full of flavor. If you have dietary needs, some substitutes work great in this recipe: - Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option. - Swap milk for almond milk to keep it dairy-free. - Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan touch. - Add cauliflower or spinach if you want more greens. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. You will need a few kitchen tools to make this dish: - A large pot for cooking - A wooden spoon for stirring - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. This dish is quick and simple, so gather your tools and get started! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and fragrant. This base adds a lot of flavor to our dish. Next, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until it gets a light toast. Now, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the broccoli florets, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The orzo should be tender and soak up most of the broth. Once the orzo and broccoli are done, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove it from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This will make it thicker. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. To get that creamy texture, use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and adds a rich flavor. Also, make sure to stir the milk in slowly. This helps mix it well with the orzo and cheese. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This lets it thicken and become even creamier. If you want an extra creamy touch, add more cheese or a splash of cream. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. Keep an eye on it while it cooks. If it cooks too long, it can become mushy. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper. Using too much broth can make it watery. Stick to the recipe ratio for the best results. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time. It helps the flavors meld together. To boost flavor, try adding more spices. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. You can also add garlic powder for an extra garlic punch. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, brighten the dish. If you want a tangy twist, a splash of lemon juice works wonders. You can also mix in a bit of mustard for depth. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to find what you love best! {{image_2}} If you want a dairy-free version of this dish, swap out the milk and cheese. Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. For the cheese, try a dairy-free cheese blend. These options still give you a creamy texture. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding protein can make this dish more filling. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. For shrimp, sauté them in a separate pan before adding to the pot. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and cube it. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through. Feel free to change up the veggies. You can replace broccoli with spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Spinach cooks quickly, while bell peppers may need a few extra minutes. This way, you can make the dish your own and enjoy different flavors each time. After you make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, you may have some left. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of water or milk to help it stay creamy. Stir often over low heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the orzo will expand. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove as I mentioned earlier. This way, you can enjoy the meal even later! Yes, you can make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. - Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this recipe. Use gluten-free orzo pasta instead of regular orzo. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry. Just check labels to ensure all items are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy comfort dish. This blog post showed you how to make One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the perfect dish. I also shared ideas for variations and how to store your leftovers. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a creamy meal that fits many diets. Don't be afraid to get creative! Try new ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Discover how to whip up a delicious creamy one pot broccoli cheddar orzo that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This simple recipe combines tender orzo with fresh broccoli and melted sharp cheddar for a comforting meal in just 25 minutes. With easy steps and minimal cleanup, you’ll want to make this dish regularly. Click through now to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of comfort to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups vegetable broth

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

    Stir in the orzo pasta, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.

      Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the broccoli florets, onion powder, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

        Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

          Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

            Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4