Want to know what I find difficult?
Besides finding a hair length I like, painting my own toes, sleeping in cars, wearing high heels (team wedge!) and recently discovering that Atomic Fireballs have 40 calories a piece (highly disappointing considering I’ve been subjecting my tongue to their delicious, delicious burn since my in-laws brought Ben and me a bag from Cracker Barrel last week…)
Finding a good side dish recipe.
I don’t know. 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 Ben likes himself some options at dinnertime!
In the summer I’ll slice up a couple peaches or a make a side salad with cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden for dinner, but I have to be careful, you see. There are plenty of side dishes I’ve been politely asked to “discontinue” due to the fact that I get obsessed and try to serve them 4 days a week.
(Cough, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, cough. OMG that reminds me! The brussels sprouts in my garden are budding wee sprouts! Will post an update soon.)
I don’t like to spend a ton of time on fussy side dishes either, so I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are not only quick, but interesting, and aren’t just serving as dinner “fillers”. Enter Cheesy Broccoli Orzo.
Lip-smacking delicious, easy, and FAST – this is one side dish Ben requests over and over. Sometimes I surprise him with it because it literally makes him so incredibly happy. Bahahaha! Anyways.
All you do is boil a cup of rice-shaped orzo pasta for a few minutes, then add chopped broccoli and cook for a few more minutes. BTW – you could use brown rice in place of the orzo for a whole-grain boost, but it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. Orzo is for when time is of the essence!
Drain the mixture really well, as broccoli florets are notorious for holding onto water, then return to the pot.
Add a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese (fresh or pre-grated – doesn’t matter) and a pat of butter.
Then stir everything together with milk.
Season with salt to taste (may not need it) then dish, and dine!
Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo
1-1/2 cups 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. Cook for 3 minutes then add chopped broccoli and cook for 2 more minutes, or 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.
Might want to make a double batch of this stuff, ’cause it will go fast. It’s just so simple and GOOD, know what I mean? Well you probably don’t, but after you make it you will!
I recently served Cheesy Broccoli Orzo under chicken breasts brushed on both sides with extra virgin olive oil then seasoned with salt & pepper and sauteed (aka THE BEST CHICKEN EVER) but this simple side dish will pair well with most anything.
Here are a few more easy side dish recipes to try (besides roasted, steamed, or raw fresh fruits and veggies, which are always healthy, easy options too!)
Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend (cooked in chicken broth = AMAZING)
Grilled Zucchini (cut fresh zucchini on the bias, toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper then grill)
~~~~~
Your turn! What are some of your favorite side dishes to serve with dinner?
Oh, this looks perfect! Anything with “cheesy” in the title is a winner for me!
These photos are amazing! They belong in a magazine. Not to mention creamy, cheesy, orzo is always amazing!
You cannot go wrong with anything cheesy!
My usual standbys are a salad, sweet potatoes (either in baked or fry form) or some sort of rice pilaf.
Omg, I’m with you – I’m all about one pot wonders but the man demands sides… Kind of wasteful in my humble opinion. I’m totally excited to try this!! Looks super yummy.
I love love cheesy broccoli treats!!! I don’t get excited about a lot of meat, I always want a fun, hearty side dish though. This would be fantastic, and perfect with my sweet hubby’s ribs he plans wood smoke this weekend:-) Delicious, Take care, Terra
If you used rice would you still use one cup uncooked?
I would use maybe 3/4 cup brown rice!
I heard the bad news re: Fireballs via a co-worker a couple of weeks ago. I am in denial and continue to indulge
I agree with Ben; I’ve got to have a side. My go sides are sweet potato fries, roasted green beans or a salad loaded with veggies.
Love this simple idea, and even my kiddo would eat – always a plus! You know you can get whole wheat orzo, right? Cooks in 8 minutes.
Oh no you didn’t! Looks awesome. Broccoli and cheese is a classic.
Looks wonderful! Am going to have to try real soo, like tomorrow! Thanks!
What a delicious and easy side- I can’t wait to try it! Our go-to veggie side dish is asparagus tips sauteed in a little EVOO and fresh garlic, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of shredded asiago cheese on top. YUM.
Looks great!!! And THANK YOU for the tip on the Trader Joe harvest grain! I just made the 90 minute trip to Des Moines yesterday for Trader Joes. I purchased the harvest grains, and was sorta wondering what I was going to do with them!!! I kind of want to add squash to it too. It might just be too early!!!
I LOVE this! Totally pinned to make for dinner this week
I’ve been following your blog for a couple weeks now and I’m finding myself pinning almost all of your recipes! Can’t wait to try this one in particular!
I have a feeling my broccoli cheese soup loving husband will gobble this one right up! Side dishes are always a struggle here too. I go for roasted veggies while the hubby always makes himself some sort of potato, which I always end up sampling. I know he’ll love this one though!
Definitely going to have to try this – side dishes are my thing! Couple simple faves are roasted asparagus, and roasted cubed butternut squash. Both just olive oil, salt, & pepper — so simple & so yummy! Loving sauteed greens lately too, with some lemon juice, crushed red pepper, mushrooms & olive oil. Delish!
That looks so yummy! You’re photography is always wonderful, I’ve been meaning to mention that to you for quite some time.
I have a couple of go to side dishes – grilled asparagus when it is in season and couscous that I mix with sauteed pineapple, toasted macadamia nuts, fresh cilantro and lime juice.
I can’t wait to try this! Looks delish ❤ I have trouble with side dishes, too (I generally expend all my energy on the main dish!)
I always struggle with figuring out side dishes that aren’t the same.old.thing. This looks delicious! Can’t wait to give it a try.
First of all, I feel like we would be friends IRL.
Second, this sounds delicious. I am making this tonight. I love all things carb + cheese + broccoli, plus it’s quick. Yum.
Last, LOVE your Friday Favorites and Workout logs — seeing how you stay active keeps me going when working out sounds like a drag!
I’m on Team Ben on the side dish issue. The entree just seems so lonely on the plate without a side or two. I think I get bored of the entree while eating, too. haha! Side dishes FTW! This one sounds great btw.
Uh…YUM! This looks like I could make a meal of it. Thanks for sharing.
Erin – ekcantcook.blogspot.com
This may win for the most random comment but on painting your toes- try Sally Hansen Salon Effects. They are awesome, last about 2-3 weeks with a top coat and are way way easier than polish!
yay! More meatless recipes, please!
We made this last night for dinner and it was yummy…my picky kids even enjoyed it.
Thanks for a new side for our dinner planning.
I just made this and it was FANTASTIC! Thanks so much Kristin for another great recipe!
I use my steamer pot when I do pasta broccoli combos, then you don’t have to worry about the broccoli holding onto water.
This looks awesome!
Some side staples in our household:
Roasted broccoli
Cauliflower (roasted or just plain and seasoned with chili powder and garlic salt — so good!)
Grilled asparagus
Grilled squash/zuchinni/eggplant
Grilled/roasted/baked sweet potatoes
Grilled peppers! I’m obsessed with these right now… I bought a bag of mini red/yellow/orange peppers, wrapped them in foil and threw them on the grill … so good!
Holy cheesy goodness….I would NEVER get tired of this. Just made a pot for dinner. I hope there’s some left when everyone’s home for dinner!
I find all of those things so difficult too! (minus the Atomic Fireballs
) Go Team Wedge!!
We had this tonight with grill pork chops and everyone loved it! Thanks for the recipe, we’ll be enjoying this again!
Made this tonight…..slightly unusual texture for me but I got over it and its good….extras for my boys lunch for school tomorrow …needs salt n pepper
[...] Cheesy broccoli orzo [...]
I found this on Pinterest and made it last night. My husband and I both loved it! Thank you for sharing!
Can you use frozen broccoli and if so how long do you cook it for
I think you can, I’d probably just prepare it according to package directions, then add it in!
Thank you
I just put the broccoli still frozen right in and let it cook 2 or 3 minutes and it came out great.
I saw this on Pinterest and made it for dinner last night. My husband and daughter loved this! We’ll be making this on a regular bases from now on. Thanks for the recipe.
This turned out EXACTLY like the picture and was so amazingly yummy. I used a bit more orzo and wish I had added more broccoli to compensate, but I’m so happy this turned out correctly. So often my pinterest recipes don’t come out just right, and this did. Thank you! A must try for anyone, so much better, easier, and cheaper than any rice/pasta mix from a box.
I just found your blog… through Pinterest of course. I think you are the Iowa version of me. Yay for being awesome
Keep up the great work over here 
This is amazing! I love how simple and quick this is. It’s also more cost efficient and healthy than those pre-made packages you can get at the grocery store. My husband isn’t a big fan of broccoli like I am, and he loves it! Thank you for sharing this recipe :+)
This recipe looks great. How does it hold up for a Thanksgiving office potluck? Is it okay to prepare this the night before and just re-heat in the microwave before serving? How do you suggest adjusting the recipe to feed 10 or so people?
Thanks for the help!
This is best eaten right away, unfortunately! Kind of like mac & cheese, the longer it sits, the less creamy it gets!
Thanks so much for the advice! What would you recommend for an office Thanksgiving potluck?
Here are some of my (savory) faves!
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6008117
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6032000
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6029870
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6034676
[...] makes 4–6 servings | source [...]
[...] Cheesy Broccoli Orzo: Very simple. It wasn’t as flavorful as I had hoped so I loaded it up with crushed red pepper. Nom. [...]
This recipe just rocked my world. It is being added to the rotation! So easy and delicious.
[...] is always on the look out for a good side dish. I saw this was like “Orzo? Cheese? Sign me up!!” I don’t have a lot of pictures because [...]
This side dish looks really good and I can’t wait to try it, but I also would like to know how did you prepare the fish or chicken that is in the picture????
It was chicken brushed on both sides with extra virgin olive oil then seasoned with salt & pepper and sauteed!
[...] Orzo with Broccoli Recipe adapted from: Iowa Girl Eats Serves: 3-4 Prep/Cook: 15 minutes (start to [...]
This sounds amazing and am planning on making it soon (probably tonight) but was wondering if you could sub mozzerella for the cheddar? I don’t have any at home and don’t really want to run back to the store again.
That’s totally fine – any cheese will work, really!
This was a big hit with my family and so easy to make. My 11 year old is a big fan of Mac and cheese (in the blue box). But I think this may be his new favorite.
Love,love love your site, I want to make everything you post! Some other family faves are your fresh apple cake, and cheeseburger quesadillas. Next up to make is your chicken fried rice.
Thanks for such great recipes and wonderful photography.
Made this tonight and it was a total hit! I almost ate all of it while waiting for the rest of dinner!