Want to know what I find difficult? Besides finding a hair length I like, painting my own toes, 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 Ben 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 but slightly boring.
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 for a three minutes. Orzo is pasta that looks like grains of rice. Use gluten free if you need it!
After three minutes, add broccoli florets that have been chopped small, 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 (may not need it) then dish up and dine. I hope you love this incredibly simple yet super tasty side dish – enjoy!
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Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
Description
Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is a crowd-pleasing, quick and easy side dish recipe for dinner. Serve with chicken, pork, or a big salad!
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free or regular orzo (dish will not be GF if using regular 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, to taste
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.
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.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Aramelle {One Wheeler's World} 08.17.2012
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.
Adrienne @ Midwestern Belle 08.17.2012
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!)
Ashley 08.17.2012
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.
Kim 08.17.2012
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!
Trisha 08.17.2012
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!
Ali 08.17.2012
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!
shelly (cookies and cups) 08.17.2012
I LOVE this! Totally pinned to make for dinner this week :)
Kristen 08.17.2012
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!!!
Kathi 08.17.2012
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.
Marie B. 08.16.2012
Looks wonderful! Am going to have to try real soo, like tomorrow! Thanks!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 08.16.2012
Oh no you didn’t! Looks awesome. Broccoli and cheese is a classic.
Jen 08.16.2012
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. :-)
Kim@hungryhealthygirl 08.16.2012
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.
Chris Hoebelheinrich 08.16.2012
I heard the bad news re: Fireballs via a co-worker a couple of weeks ago. I am in denial and continue to indulge :-)
Kayle 08.16.2012
If you used rice would you still use one cup uncooked?
Iowa Girl Eats 08.16.2012
I would use maybe 3/4 cup brown rice!
Terra 08.16.2012
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
Laura @ Mrs in the Making 08.16.2012
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.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles 08.16.2012
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.
Kacey @ Kacey's Kitchen 08.16.2012
These photos are amazing! They belong in a magazine. Not to mention creamy, cheesy, orzo is always amazing!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles 08.16.2012
Oh, this looks perfect! Anything with “cheesy” in the title is a winner for me!