One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo

This quick and easy orzo recipe is a 30-minute dinner that’s low on dishes and full of gooey, melted cheese flavor. It’s like an adult twist on mac and cheese that the entire family will love. Read on for some tips on how to make it:

Yields: 8 serving(s) | Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Cal/Serv:354

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp.

  unsalted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lb. broccoli (about 2 medium heads), finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 lb. orzo

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 3/4 cup whole milk

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (from an 8-oz. block)

• Sliced chives, for serving
  

  

The broccoli: Broccoli adds color, crunch, and extra veggies to this hearty one-pan dinner. You can use both the stems and the florets—just be sure to peel, then cut the stems into 1/4"-thick pieces to ensure they cook through. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, cauliflower or green beans will also work.

The cheese sauce: This take on mac and cheese is simple and easy. There’s no béchamel or even a roux. All you need is your favorite sharp cheddar cheese and some milk. The cheese coats the orzo and melts into a gooey, rich sauce. Orange cheddar will give you the classic mac and cheese look, but white will also work.

The pasta: Orzo is quick-cooking and has the soft, creamy texture of risotto. In this recipe, the pasta gets packed with extra flavor from cooking in chicken broth. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, and if you want to keep the dish vegetarian, vegetable broth will work well.

Add-ins: Feel free to enhance this recipe with add-ins. For protein, you could fold in cooked sausage or chopped rotisserie chicken at the end. Or add heat with cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.

If you make this, be sure to let us know what you think with a rating and review below!

Directions

• Step 1 In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes.
  

• Step 2 Add broccoli and cook, stirring, until florets are crisp and bright green, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add orzo and cook, stirring constantly, until starting to look toasty, about 1 minute.
  

• Step 3 Stir in broth; season with salt. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping any browned bits on bottom of pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 7 minutes. Stir in milk, return to a simmer, and cook, stirring frequently, until creamy and orzo is cooked through, about 1 minute more.
  

• Step 4 Remove from heat and stir in cheddar. Let it until cheese is melted and thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir again to combine, then top with chives.
  

  

  

Full recipe at Delish For more DSP resources, check out our Resource Guide.

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