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.
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.
yay! More meatless recipes, please!
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! :)
Uh…YUM! This looks like I could make a meal of it. Thanks for sharing.
Erin – ekcantcook.blogspot.com
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.
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 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.
I can’t wait to try this! Looks delish ā¤ I have trouble with side dishes, too (I generally expend all my energy on the main dish!)
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.
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!
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!
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 LOVE this! Totally pinned to make for dinner this week :)