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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - ½ teaspoon mustard powder - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Chopped chives for garnish (optional) - You can use gluten-free orzo if needed. - For a dairy-free option, try dairy-free cheese. - Each serving has about 450 calories. - It includes protein, carbs, and fat for a balanced meal. This recipe captures comfort and flavor in one bowl. The creamy texture and cheesy taste make it a hit. I often enjoy adding broccoli for a healthy twist. The sharp cheddar gives it a rich flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. When cooking, feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. This flexibility helps make each dish unique. For example, using gluten-free orzo allows everyone to enjoy this meal. Remember, always check the nutritional labels on your ingredients. It helps you stay informed about what you eat. For the full recipe, check the link provided. To start, you need to bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Use a medium saucepan and set the heat to medium. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Keep an eye on it. When bubbles form, it's boiling. Next, add the orzo. Stir it gently. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which is usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Three minutes before the orzo is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This way, they cook together and stay bright green. While the orzo and broccoli cook, let’s sauté the aromatics. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook them for just 1 more minute. This short cooking time brings out their sweet and fragrant flavor. If you let them cook too long, they might burn, and we don’t want that! Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, drain them well. Add them to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. It's time for the creaminess! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then sprinkle in 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon of mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir everything together. Make sure the cheese melts fully. This creates a rich, creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash more cream. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. This step allows all the flavors to blend well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, you're ready to enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar orzo. For a special touch, you can garnish with chopped chives. To avoid overcooking broccoli, add it to the pot in the last three minutes. This keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp. If you cook it too long, it turns mushy and loses its flavor. Ensure the orzo is al dente by checking it a minute before the package time ends. Al dente means it should have a slight bite. This texture adds depth to your dish. You can add spices or herbs for more depth. A pinch of paprika or a sprinkle of thyme can elevate the dish. Experiment with flavors you love. Suggested toppings or garnishes can include chopped chives or extra cheese. These not only add flavor but also make the dish look pretty. The best pan for cooking orzo is a large saucepan. A non-stick pot works well to prevent sticking. Make sure it has enough space for the pasta and broccoli. Helpful kitchen tools for preparation include a good knife for chopping and a sturdy spoon for stirring. A fine grater helps with the cheese. Each tool makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily modify Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo to fit different diets. For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Use coconut cream and a plant-based cheese instead. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. For those looking for low-carb options, swap out the orzo for cauliflower rice. This change cuts carbs while still giving you a nice texture. You can follow the same cooking method for a tasty alternative. Adding proteins can take this dish to a new level. Chicken or shrimp pairs well with the creamy sauce. Simply cook your protein in the skillet before adding the onion and garlic. This adds depth to the flavors. You can also mix in other vegetables. Sweet peas, bell peppers, or even spinach work great. Just chop them up and add them to the pot. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color to your meal. If you want to switch the cheese, there are great substitutes for cheddar. You can try gouda or mozzarella for a different taste. Nutritional yeast is also a good choice for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For cream alternatives, consider using almond milk or cashew cream. Both can make your dish creamy without the heaviness of dairy. Adjust the amounts to get the right consistency. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store it in a tight container. Glass or plastic containers work best. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. To freeze Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or cream will help keep it creamy. For reheating, use low heat on the stove or a microwave. Stir often to avoid hot spots. If it seems dry, add a bit of broth or cream. Taste it after reheating. You may want to add salt or pepper to enhance the flavor. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier sections where I detailed the steps. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo! Yes, you can make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This helps keep the dish creamy and moist. Heat it on low in a pan, stirring gently until warm. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from becoming gritty. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo pairs well with many side dishes. Try serving it with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad also complements the rich flavors of the orzo. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or baked salmon works great. You can also add garlic bread for extra flavor and texture. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. If you like spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can add a burst of flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses too! Yes, you can use other types of pasta in this recipe. Small shapes like ditalini or fusilli work well. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo or pasta made from rice or corn. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may differ from orzo. Enjoy the versatility of this dish! In this post, we explored making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. We covered the required ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for perfect texture, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can tweak this dish for dietary needs or flavor preferences. With simple techniques, you can create a comforting meal that warms hearts. Enjoy the creamy goodness with your loved ones!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Indulge in a deliciously creamy broccoli cheddar orzo that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese for a comforting dish in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side, your family will love every bite.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

½ teaspoon mustard powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add in the broccoli florets.

      While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent.

        Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

          Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, drain and add them to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic.

            Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the cheese has melted and everything is creamy and combined.

              Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld together.

                Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

                  Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives if desired.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4