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.
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!!!
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 wonderful! Am going to have to try real soo, like tomorrow! Thanks!
Oh no you didn’t! Looks awesome. Broccoli and cheese is a classic.
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. :-)
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.
I heard the bad news re: Fireballs via a co-worker a couple of weeks ago. I am in denial and continue to indulge :-)
If you used rice would you still use one cup uncooked?
I would use maybe 3/4 cup brown rice!
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
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.
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.
These photos are amazing! They belong in a magazine. Not to mention creamy, cheesy, orzo is always amazing!
Oh, this looks perfect! Anything with “cheesy” in the title is a winner for me!