Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

$To make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup whole milk - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays an important role in this dish. The orzo pasta absorbs the creamy sauce, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, making the dish comforting and satisfying. The vegetable broth and whole milk create a smooth base, while butter and flour help to thicken it. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, and the Dijon mustard brings a touch of tanginess. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe with fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finish! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Wait until it begins to froth. 2. Add 1 small finely diced onion to the pan. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and translucent. 3. Next, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for 1 more minute while stirring constantly. This makes the garlic fragrant. 4. Now, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk it for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. This will thicken your sauce. 1. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth slowly while whisking. This helps prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 2. Once simmering, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir well, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir often to keep the orzo from sticking. 3. With 3 minutes left, gently fold in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook until both the orzo and broccoli are tender and bright. 1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. This adds creaminess and depth. 2. Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until it's fully melted, creating a creamy sauce. 3. Taste your dish and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk for a creamier texture. 4. Serve the orzo warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color if you like. - Adjusting thickness with milk: If your sauce is too thick, just add a bit more milk. Start with a small splash and stir well. This will help you reach the perfect creaminess without losing flavor. The milk adds richness while making the sauce smooth. - Achieving the right cheese melt: For a great melt, use finely shredded cheese. This helps it blend into the sauce easily. Stir it in gradually and watch it melt completely. If it clumps, keep stirring. A smooth cheese sauce is key to a delightful dish. - Monitoring cooking time: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Check for doneness after about 8 minutes. It should be firm but not hard. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit even after you take it off the heat. - Preventing orzo from sticking: Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This keeps it from clumping together. Adding a splash of broth or water can also help if it starts to stick. A little attention will keep your orzo perfect and fluffy. Pro Tips Fresh Broccoli: Using fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, giving it a vibrant color and crunch. Cheese Selection: For a more complex flavor, try mixing different types of cheese such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack with the sharp cheddar. Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk or broth gradually until you reach your desired creaminess. Herb Infusion: Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano while cooking for an extra layer of flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for a new twist. Mozzarella gives a lovely stretch. Gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor. Both can work well in this dish. If you want even more creaminess, add cream cheese. It blends in smoothly and makes the sauce richer. You can mix it in when you add the milk. This extra touch brings a new level of flavor. Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Spinach or peas can brighten up the dish. Their colors and textures add interest. If you don't have broccoli, try cauliflower. It cooks nicely and absorbs the sauce well. You can use the same cooking method. Just remember to cut your veggies into small pieces for even cooking. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo fresh, use an airtight container. Glass containers work great, as they do not retain odors. Place the orzo in the container and seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, place the orzo in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk to help keep it creamy. Stir often until it warms through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid hot spots. Adding a little milk or broth helps maintain the dish's creaminess. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great alternatives made from rice or corn. These options work well in this recipe. Just check the package for cooking times, as they may differ. Other pasta types like gluten-free penne or farfalle can also be fun to try. To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheese and milk. Use plant-based cheese, like cashew or almond cheese, that melts well. For milk, choose almond or oat milk. These substitutes keep the creamy texture without dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the orzo and sauce, then cool it completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. This blog post explored a delicious orzo pasta dish loaded with broccoli and cheese. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the perfect creamy sauce. I also shared variations like using different cheeses and veggies. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. In the end, this recipe is flexible and fun. You can make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty dish with others!$

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

A comforting and creamy dish featuring orzo pasta, broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it begins to froth. Add the finely diced onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and softened, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Incorporate the all-purpose flour into the onion and garlic mixture, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes, until it forms a smooth roux with a light golden color. This will help thicken your sauce.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the mixture reaches a simmer, add the orzo pasta and stir well. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring often to ensure the orzo cooks evenly and does not stick, until it reaches al dente perfection.
With about 3 minutes remaining in the cooking time, gently fold in the broccoli florets. Continue cooking until both the orzo and broccoli are tender and brightly colored.
Once fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the whole milk and Dijon mustard for added creaminess and depth of flavor.
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli.
Taste your dish and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a splash more milk until desired.
Serve this delightful orzo warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, orzo, pasta