Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is a crowd-pleasing, quick and easy side dish that compliments any dinner. Serve with chicken, pork, steak, or salad!
Want to know what I find difficult? Besides finding a hair length I like and sleeping on airplanes?
Finding a good side dish recipe.
I’m the kind of person who can sit down with a big bowl of soup or piece of lasagna and be just fine, but my husband likes himself some options at dinnertime. Most nights though, after a long day of work (ie functioning brain cells are at their daily minimum,) all I can think of is tossing together a side salad. Easy
The recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Orzo though? Easy and totally UN-boring!
This creamy, cheesy, broccoli-studded pasta side dish cooks up in one pan in minutes. Serve with chicken, pork, or a huge salad. Honestly it doesn’t really matter – Cheesy Broccoli Orzo will steal the show.
How to Make this Recipe
Start by boiling a cup of orzo according to package directions. Orzo is pasta that looks like grains of rice. I like Delallo Gluten Free!
When the orzo has a couple of minutes left, add broccoli florets that have been finely chopped, then continue to cook until the pasta is al dente.
Drain the mixture very well — broccoli florets are notorious for holding onto water — then return the broccoli and orzo to the pot.
Here’s where the magic happens. To the pot add shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, plus a pat of butter.
Now, I am NOT the cheese nor butter police, so if you want to add more cheese or butter? GO FOR IT!
Drizzle in milk, any kind, then stir until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt to taste then dish up and devour. I hope you love this incredibly simple yet super tasty side dish – enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1-1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup 2% milk
- salt
Directions
- Add orzo to a large pot of salted boiling water then cook according to package directions. When the orzo has 2 minutes left to cook, add the chopped broccoli then cook until orzo is tender. Drain well (broccoli florets are notorious for holding onto water) then return to the pot.
- Add cheeses, butter, and 1/4 cup milk then stir well and add more milk if needed. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
- Feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and/or butter to your liking. You may need a touch more milk to get the pasta smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Sure!
So glad I found this recipe so easy and delicious!! A keeper recipe. Absolutely love all of your fantastic recipes.
This is so good! This has quickly become a household favorite and I’ve made it numerous times. Both of my toddlers can’t get enough. When I made it yesterday I added some leftover diced ham for the last minute on the stove and it turned out great!
That sounds awesome, Maggie – I’m SO glad your kids liked it! Have you seen this recipe? It sounds like what you turned yours into, except it’s made with rice! https://iowagirleats.com/cheesy-ham-and-broccoli-rice-skillet/
This dish is so quick and taste amazing. My son girlfriend made them ribs and baked beans once she finished what she cooked she turned and what cooked for dinner this with baked chicken.
Fabulous! So glad you all loved it, Keisha. :)
Great
The best SIPMPY HEALTHY, high fiber, fast orzo I have ever had. Where are these recipes other than with you! Thank you so much! So easy I know now what to do with the broccoli I should be eatting. I used reduced fat cheese and a little – 2 tbs of parm – and it is wonderful. How many people can eat this whole recipe in one sitting? Thank you so much.
Very easy and good. I microwaved after combining 3mins covered to cook orzo, since was still al dente. Used a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, and Konriko JalapeƱo seasoning for extra flavor.
That sounds delicious, Tammy! I’m so glad you were able to make it work!!
This was absolutely excellent! And easy! Thank you for an outstanding recipe.
So glad you enjoyed, Jeannie! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
My entire family loved it, not to mention it was very fast and easy to make!
Success! So glad to hear it, Jami. Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Great recipe! It came out good! I used broccoli and asparagus with mine along with white sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan. But, nutrition facts? I could not find them. When you are cooking for your spouse who has Type 1 diabetes the nutrition facts in the serving amounts, and amount per serving, etc. are very important. I notice that a lot of recipes online, even a family size recipe, say 1 serving, which is okay, we can do the math, I found nothing on this recipe! But…still okay because i can add up the carbs with each ingredient! Another BUT…please consider people who are cooking for diabetics, special diets, etc., that may really need that info! Still give it 5 stars though! Delicious! Thank you! (And if the nutritional facts were on here and i did not see…sorry!)