Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

$To make a delicious creamy broccoli cheddar orzo, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup whole milk - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These ingredients are easy to find. You may already have some in your kitchen. The orzo pasta adds a nice texture. Broccoli gives it a fresh crunch. Cheddar cheese brings the creaminess you will love. Whole milk makes it even richer. Using vegetable broth adds depth to the flavor. Gather everything before you start cooking. It helps to have all your items ready. This makes the cooking process smooth and fun. You can mix and match some ingredients too. For example, try adding other veggies or different cheeses. Don't be afraid to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute until it smells good. Add the flour to this mix. Whisk it together for about 2 minutes to make a roux. This step gives your dish a nice, thick base. Now, it's time to add the vegetable broth. Pour it in slowly while whisking. This helps to avoid lumps in your sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it simmers, stir in the orzo. Cook it for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Stir it frequently to keep it from sticking. A few minutes before the orzo is done, add the broccoli florets. This way, they cook but stay bright and fresh. When the orzo and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and Dijon mustard. This adds a creamy texture and a hint of tang. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dish is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency. Serve it warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get that creamy texture, focus on the roux. Mix the flour and butter well. Whisk it for two full minutes. This step helps thicken your dish. When adding the broth, do it slowly. Stir constantly to keep lumps away. After adding milk, keep stirring until it’s silky smooth. If it’s not creamy enough, add more milk a little at a time. Dijon mustard adds a nice zing. Don't skip it! It brings out the cheese flavor. Fresh garlic and onion give depth to the dish. Make sure to sauté them well. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving. You need a large saucepan for this recipe. A whisk is important for mixing the roux and broth. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the orzo. A cutting board and knife make chopping easy. Having measuring cups and spoons helps keep everything precise. This way, your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo turns out perfect every time! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles. Just ensure they melt well. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier dish, add more milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Herb Enhancements: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheese and broccoli. {{image_2}} You can easily boost your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo by adding protein. Cooked chicken or turkey works well. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in during the final steps. For a meat-free option, try chickpeas or white beans. They lend a nice texture and extra protein. Feel free to swap the broccoli for other veggies. Cauliflower or peas are excellent choices. You can even mix in spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly. Want to make this dish vegan? Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese instead. Almond or oat milk can replace whole milk. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the butter, replace it with olive oil or vegan butter. This way, you can enjoy a creamy dish that fits your lifestyle. Once you finish your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled orzo into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. The orzo can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the orzo in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If using the stovetop, add a splash of milk to the pan. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring often. Enjoy your creamy dish just like it was fresh! You can store Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it instead. Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese can work well. Each cheese adds its own flavor and creaminess. Try mixing cheeses for a fun twist! You can use other pasta shapes if you don't have orzo. Small shapes like ditalini or even rice work nicely. Adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. This keeps your dish fun and flexible! This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to ensure great texture and flavor. You can adapt this dish with proteins or different veggies. Plus, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy making this dish, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas!$

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the flour to the onion mixture and whisk together for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, stir in the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring frequently.
During the last few minutes of cooking, add in the broccoli florets.
Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the whole milk and Dijon mustard.
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust consistency with more milk if desired.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if using.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, pasta