This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake is a simple, tasty, and comforting one-pot vegetarian meal that everyone will love. Inspired by broccoli cheddar soup, this dish is super easy to make and comes together in less than 40 minutes.
It’s packed with veggies and is very kid-friendly. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side dish—it works great as both. You don’t want to miss out on this recipe! If you’re looking for new and healthy recipes, you’ve found a gem. This is one of the best orzo dishes I’ve ever tried, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Even if you’re new to cooking, don’t worry—this recipe is very easy. Once you take that first bite, it’s sure to become a favourite.
This delicious vegan broccoli cheddar orzo is flavoured perfectly. It’s a cosy and comforting meal, perfect for a quick dinner or as a side dish. If you love broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll love this cheesy broccoli orzo dish. This is the perfect recipe for a one-pot meal during the week. It also makes a great side dish for other meals.
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Oven-safe casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 Yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp Salted butter
- 1 lb dry Orzo pasta gluten-free if needed
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves plus extra for topping
- 3 cups Low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 3 cups Broccoli florets roughly chopped
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup Whole milk or canned coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago or manchego cheese
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Turn your oven to 425°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it smells nice. Toss in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Put in the butter, orzo, broccoli, and thyme to the pot. Cook everything for about 5 minutes until the orzo turns golden and smells toasty.
- Pour in the wine and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is cooked but still a bit firm.
Notes
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Fat | 22g |
| Cholesterol | 104mg |
| Sodium | 107mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 21g |
How Long Does it Take to Cook Orzo?
Orzo takes about 8-10 minutes to cook. To make it, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the orzo. Cook it until it’s al dente, which means it’s firm but cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, just like the package instructions say.
Is Orzo Different From Pasta?
Orzo might look like rice, but it’s a type of pasta. It’s a small, rice-shaped pasta known as “patina.” Orzo is often used in soups, but it’s also perfect for salads and one-pot dishes because it cooks so quickly.
Does Orzo Need to Be Rinsed?
No, you don’t need to rinse orzo unless you’re using it in a cold salad. Rinsing can remove a light coating of starch that helps sauces and seasonings stick to the pasta. If you’re serving it hot, like in this recipe, there’s no need to rinse it.
hi there,
i’m Noah
A California-born food blogger behind Freshman Cook, whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen.
