Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a great way to get your kids to eat those vegetables! This simple side dish is going to get requested over and over again. This recipe is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the incredible texture of orzo pasta with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. It makes an excellent side dish or a main course when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The cooking process is straightforward, with the orzo, cream, and cheese coming together to form a velvety sauce. With easy ingredient substitutions and straightforward steps, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Broccoli Cheese Orzo

I am in love with orzo lately. LOVE LOVE. It is so easy to make, and the texture is perfect for quick side dishes and salads. Broccoli Cheese Orzo combines both your vegetable portion AND your grain, and it is about as kid-friendly as side dishes come. Made with real, whole ingredients, you don’t have to feel guilty about feeding your kids something they will actually like.

Broccoli Cheese Orzo balances creamy cheese with tender pasta and lightly steamed broccoli, creating a comforting dish with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavor. The addition of dry mustard enhances the cheese flavor, and using a blend of milk and cream ensures a rich but not overly heavy sauce. Plus, it’s versatile: add different vegetables or switch up the cheese to make it your own.

A milder cheese like mozzarella or Colby-Jack would be fabulous. If your kids like a kick to their cheeses, use some medium cheddar or parmesan. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite!

Our cheesy orzo is also a perfect side dish for your holiday gatherings and potlucks. It would be perfect held warm in a crockpot, and the orzo does a pretty good job of holding its texture without getting too mushy or overcooked. The amount adjusts really easily to suit your specific needs. Need enough for 2? 1 cup of uncooked orzo should be perfect. Enough for 6? 3 cups. You get the picture.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a great addition to any meal.
• Customizable: Swap broccoli for your favorite vegetable, or try a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
• One-Pot Simplicity: Cook the orzo in one pot and finish the sauce in the same pan, minimizing clean-up.

Need more amazing Side Dishes in your life?

Broccoli Cheese Orzo shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Orzo Pasta
• Butter
• Heavy Cream
• Whole Milk
• Dry Mustard
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
• Broccoli, Fresh
• Salt

Serve with some Grilled Chicken!

How to make Broccoli Cheese Orzo

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Cook Orzo: Boil orzo pasta until almost tender, then drain and reserve some cooking water.
2. Add Butter: Melt butter into the hot pasta, stirring until well combined.
3. Create Sauce Base: Add cream and milk to the pasta, along with dry mustard and broccoli, and heat until simmering.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
5. Adjust Consistency: If needed, thin the sauce with small amounts of milk until it reaches the desired texture. Season with salt to taste.

Perfect with Shrimp Kabobs!

FAQs

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover Broccoli Cheese Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, prepare the dish as directed and cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove, adding milk to loosen the sauce, if needed, to restore its creamy texture.

What substitutions can I make?

You can replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or mozzarella for a different flavor. Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter dish. Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw frozen broccoli and pat it dry before adding it to the pasta. This helps prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

Try our Broccoli Cheese Casserole too!

More great broccoli recipes to love!

High Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup

Blackstone Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Italian Pasta Salad

Even More Broccoli + Cheese!

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Onion Rings
• Crispy Potato Wedges
• Grilled Asparagus
• Kimchi Gyoza
• Tortilla Dogs

This post originally appeared on the site in 2014. It has been updated with new photos and some slight edits to the recipe. Thanks for reading OrWhateverYouDo for all these years!