This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is everything you love about your favorite soup—just in pasta form. Made in one pot, it’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The orzo simmers in chicken stock and cream until perfectly tender, while shredded carrot, broccoli, and cheddar create a deliciously velvety finish.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch, this dish is endlessly adaptable. Add in crispy bacon or grilled chicken for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian for a lighter meal. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this creamy orzo recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Full Recipe:
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1/4 cup butter
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1/2 onion, diced
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1 shredded carrot
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 cups orzo
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2 1/2 cups chicken stock
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup broccoli, chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley (optional topping)
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Red pepper flakes (optional topping)
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Parmesan (optional topping)
Directions:
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Dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the carrot, and chop the broccoli.
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In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and carrot, sauté until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
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Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes.
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Add the orzo to the pan, stirring to coat. Cook for a couple of minutes until lightly toasted and butter is absorbed.
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Pour in the chicken stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is about ¾ cooked.
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Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and broccoli. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Turn off heat, mix in the cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and parmesan before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4
Introduction to Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a dish that beautifully bridges the comforting familiarity of broccoli cheddar soup and the satisfying texture of orzo pasta. It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for both the cooler months and the transition into spring when lighter yet still cozy meals are preferred. This one-pot wonder offers everything home cooks crave: minimal cleanup, a short cooking time, and big, crowd-pleasing flavors.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to use up what’s in the fridge, this dish fits seamlessly into your culinary routine. It brings the richness of a creamy sauce, the bite of al dente pasta, and the nutrient-packed freshness of broccoli into one cohesive, comforting bowl.
Why Orzo is the Star
While the creamy, cheesy flavor combination steals the show, the choice of orzo plays a significant role in the appeal of this recipe. Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, is often mistaken for a grain but is actually made from semolina flour. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors exceptionally well, which makes it ideal for dishes that rely on broth or cream for depth and body.
In this dish, orzo acts almost like a risotto — absorbing the chicken broth and cream as it cooks, creating a luxurious, velvety base. Its small size also means that each bite is coated evenly in the sauce, ensuring consistent texture and flavor throughout.
Inspired by Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This orzo dish is clearly inspired by the classic American favorite: broccoli cheddar soup. That warm, nostalgic bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness is something many of us grew up eating, often paired with a hunk of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. But turning this soup into a pasta dish is a modern twist that adds heartiness and versatility.
Instead of being spooned from a bowl, this version can be served on a plate, in a bowl, or even inside a bread bowl for added flair. It’s less of a soup and more of a creamy pasta — but with all the familiar flavors you love.
The One-Pot Advantage
One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s made entirely in one pot. Not only does this make cleanup easier (a huge win on busy weeknights), but it also means that the flavors have more time to mingle together. Cooking everything in one pot allows the orzo to soak up the broth and cream while taking on the aromatic notes of sautéed onions, garlic, and spices.
From a practical standpoint, fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy the meal. From a flavor standpoint, the technique ensures that the pasta, sauce, and vegetables form a single, harmonious dish.
Balancing Flavor and Texture
Creating the perfect Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is all about finding balance. The sautéed onions and garlic lay the foundation for deep flavor, while the Italian seasoning, paprika, and oregano introduce warmth and complexity. The butter adds richness, the cream creates silkiness, and the cheddar brings a sharp, cheesy kick that ties everything together.
But texture matters just as much. Lightly browning the orzo before adding the liquid is a game-changer — it adds a subtle nuttiness and ensures the pasta holds its shape. Meanwhile, adding the broccoli toward the end preserves its slight crunch and bright green color, preventing it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
Make It Your Own
What makes this recipe truly special is how versatile it is. You can tweak the ingredients and adjust the proportions based on your preferences or dietary needs:
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Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for added heartiness. This makes the dish more filling and turns it into a complete one-bowl meal.
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Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it fully vegetarian. You can also throw in other veggies like peas, spinach, or roasted mushrooms.
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Spice It Up: Red pepper flakes are optional, but highly recommended for those who love a little heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
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Healthier Swaps: Use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version, though the result will be slightly less rich.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is wonderfully comforting all on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides if you’re planning a full dinner. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or focaccia makes a great companion for soaking up every bit of the sauce.
For a more elevated presentation, serve the orzo in shallow pasta bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side to offer guests a burst of brightness if they wish.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo also shines as a make-ahead or meal prep dish. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it thickens significantly once cooled.
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, due to the dairy content and the texture of the orzo changing after defrosting. However, it holds up beautifully for lunches and easy dinners during the week.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is a hit with kids, thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Even picky eaters who usually turn their noses up at vegetables might take to the broccoli when it’s bathed in cheddar and cream. It’s also a great choice for potlucks, casual dinner parties, or whenever you need to whip up a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Because it’s simple and universally appealing, it can be scaled up easily to feed a crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough pot and adjust the liquid slightly as you go.
Nutritional Benefits
While this dish leans into comfort, it also offers some solid nutritional value. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots contribute beta-carotene and other important nutrients. And although the cream and cheese add indulgence, they also offer calcium and protein.
If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, light cheese, lower-fat cream, or non-dairy alternatives can be used without compromising flavor too much. The key is balance — it’s indulgent, but not over the top.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is more than just a quick dinner — it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and versatility. From its roots in the comforting flavors of broccoli cheddar soup to its convenient one-pot format, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, satisfying, and adaptable.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this orzo recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s cozy enough for winter, fresh enough for spring, and flexible enough for just about any culinary craving you might have. Once you’ve made it once, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of your mealtime rotation.
Let the creamy, cheesy magic of this dish warm your soul and make your kitchen smell incredible. With just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, elegant meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.