Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a delicious side dish with orzo pasta, broccoli, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, cooked in a creamy garlic sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets *Bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta Uncooked
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth Can substitute veggie broth
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1¼ cups grated cheddar cheese* *DIVIDED USE
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream* *Can substitute half n' half or milk
- salt and pepper, to taste
-
Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large saucepan. Once oil is hot, add broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
-
Add orzo; cook for 1-2 minutes (stirring often) until it's "toasted" and slightly browned. Stir in red bell pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
-
Add chicken broth; turn heat up to medium-high, bring broth to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer; cover the pan. Cook (covered) on LOW for 9-12 minutes (or until all liquid is absorbed). Remove lid 2-3 times, give it a quick stir and see how much liquid remains. Keep an eye on it so the orzo doesn't burn! Once all broth has been absorbed, taste orzo to make sure it is tender. If it's still too firm, add 1-2 Tbsp. water (or broth). Stir again, re-cover the pan and let it cook 1-2 more minutes or until orzo is tender. Remove pan from heat source.
-
Immediately add butter, whipping cream, Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until ingredients are combined and butter and cheeses have melted. Once combined, season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
-
Sprinkle orzo with remaining ¼ cup of grated cheddar. Put the lid back on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Cheese on top will melt and orzo mixture will thicken slightly as it rests.
-
Transfer broccoli cheese orzo to a serving bowl (keep some of the melted cheese from the top, on top!). Serve hot and enjoy!
NOTE: The caloric calculation was made using heavy whipping cream. If you want the dish to have fewer calories, substitute half and half or milk for the cream called for.