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Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
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Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe offers a nutritious twist on classic comfort food, perfect as a main or side for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • 2 cups Fresh Broccoli florets
  • 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups Milk or Cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch them until just tender but still bright green, to keep the crunch and nutrients intact.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo in salted water as per package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later, and set the orzo aside.
  3. Create the Cheesy Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly whisk in milk and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and silky smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Final Seasoning: Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. For extra richness, stir in a little more butter or cheese right before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; keep it slightly crisp for texture and color contrast.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Melt cheese slowly on medium heat to avoid graininess.
  • Taste before adding salt, as cheese already adds saltiness to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, comfort food, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, cheesy orzo, vegetarian

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/broccoli-cheddar-orzo/