Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Update : January 17, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a delightful dish that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. It combines the goodness of broccoli with the cheesy flavor of cheddar, all wrapped up in tender orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, as it cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, this dish is satisfying and packed with nutrients.

How to Make Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Freshly ground black pepper and extra cheddar for garnish

Directions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add Garlic & Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute, then add the orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for another 1-2 minutes.
Simmer with Broth & Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese & Cream: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is creamy and well combined.
Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cheddar and black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This dish is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal or with a side salad for a complete dining experience. Pair it with some crusty bread for a comforting touch.

How to Store Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

If you have leftovers, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the creamy mixture.
If you like a little spice, throw in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics.
To make it even healthier, you can add other veggies like spinach or peas.

Variation

You can customize this dish by swapping out broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a unique flavor twist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember it may thicken in the fridge, so add a little broth or cream when reheating.