Description
Creamy broccoli cheese orzo whisks diners into a comforting culinary embrace, blending tender pasta with rich cheddar and crisp green florets. Quick weeknight dinners find delicious salvation in this cheesy, wholesome Italian-inspired classic that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, infusing olive oil to create a fragrant base for sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the pot, gently cooking and allowing them to soften while releasing their vibrant green hue and subtle earthy flavors.
- Cascade chicken broth and milk into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile, then carefully incorporate the orzo pasta.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the orzo reaches a perfect al dente consistency, gradually fold in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats each grain of pasta and broccoli piece.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to harmonize.
- Transfer to serving dishes, sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose tender broccoli florets with vibrant green color for the best texture and freshness in the dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Grate cheese just before adding to ensure smooth melting and prevent clumping in the sauce.
- Make this dish vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and adding nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg