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.
Katie Hammett 11.03.2012
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 :+)
Elise 10.29.2012
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 :)
Candace 10.26.2012
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.
kvuelv 10.17.2012
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.
Stacy 10.14.2012
Can you use frozen broccoli and if so how long do you cook it for
Iowa Girl Eats 10.15.2012
I think you can, I’d probably just prepare it according to package directions, then add it in!
Stacy 10.15.2012
Thank you
Katie Hammett 11.03.2012
I just put the broccoli still frozen right in and let it cook 2 or 3 minutes and it came out great.
Ashley 10.03.2012
I found this on Pinterest and made it last night. My husband and I both loved it! Thank you for sharing!
Dinner last night: Honey garlic pork chops, Cheesy broccoli orzo, homemade Greek dressing & Lemon garlic Brussels sprouts! « Deals is the Deal 09.08.2012
[…] Cheesy broccoli orzo […]
jaci 09.04.2012
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
Lesley 09.01.2012
We had this tonight with grill pork chops and everyone loved it! Thanks for the recipe, we’ll be enjoying this again!
Ally 08.30.2012
I find all of those things so difficult too! (minus the Atomic Fireballs :)) Go Team Wedge!!
Gwen 08.27.2012
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!
Kristin 08.25.2012
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!
Kelly 08.22.2012
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!
Jill 08.21.2012
I just made this and it was FANTASTIC! Thanks so much Kristin for another great recipe!
Michelle 08.21.2012
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.
Hannah 08.17.2012
yay! More meatless recipes, please!
Mary Beth 08.17.2012
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! :)
Erin 08.17.2012
Uh…YUM! This looks like I could make a meal of it. Thanks for sharing.
Erin – ekcantcook.blogspot.com
Tracy 08.17.2012
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.
Molly 08.17.2012
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!