One thing that I struggle with the most is side dishes. I wanted something easy and healthy that my kids would love and this dish fit the bill.
I cut up the broccoli small enough that my kids didn’t even notice . . . which is a win in my book.
They ate their entire servings. Which is rare. It is usually a battle. Even served this one to the toddler with only a few teeth, and it was gobbled right up.
If you are like me, and don’t have time for side dishes, this is a recipe that will save your life. It is so easy to make and full of amazing flavor.
Also full of hidden veggies, but we’ll keep that between you and I.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
To make Broccoli and Cheese Orzo, you will need the following ingredients:
- Orzo, uncooked
- Broccoli, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt, to taste
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:
How to make Broccoli and Cheese Orzo
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in orzo and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add in broccoli and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Drain water, then add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk.
- Stir well and add more milk if needed. Add salt to taste and serve.
What other vegetables could I sneak into Broccoli and Cheese Orzo?
Because this recipe calls for broccoli (which is also cut up very small and into thin pieces), you could also fit in any other small green vegetable bits.
Here are a few that I recommend trying out (I would also cut these into extremely small bits, to camouflage them, but maybe my kids are just more picky than most, that I have to make a larger effort to do this).
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Spinach
- Green Beans
Enjoy More Delicious Pasta Recipes
We’ve rounded up some of our best pasta recipes, including creamy tomato rigatoni, puttanesca, macaroni and cheese, and more. Check out our comprehensive collection of pasta recipes here.
- Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Beef and Noodle Casserole
- Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole
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- Chicken Pasta Casserole
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- Homemade Lasagna
- Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Instant Pot Loaded Mac and Cheese
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Broccoli and Cheese Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 1 ½ cup broccoli, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in orzo and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add in broccoli and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Drain water, then add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk.
- Stir well and add more milk if needed. Add salt to taste and serve.
Notes
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Spinach
- Green Beans
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.
I love your low-carb healthy dishes. Thank you for sharing.
I’m looking for the Brocc Cheese Orzo recipe, but all I’m seeing is the one for Ramen Noodle Oriental Chicken Salad. Wondering if anyone else has encountered this?
yes, I’m having the same issue. Picture of orzo/broccoli but recipe for ramen salad. OOOOPSSS. Help.
Me too! I think the links are mixed up.
I have
Love this dish, will make it again.
I am making this with riced cauliflower instead of orzo to make it carb free. Yum thanks
Absolutely love this! Really simple and quick. Made it two nights in a row
sounds good. going to try this. and I am seeing this recipe
Personally, I was underwhelmed ?
I added roasted pine nuts & cracked pepper. It helped.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup orzo, uncooked
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup milk (more or less if needed)
salt to taste
Boil orzo in large pot of water 2-3 mins then add broccoli for another 2-3 or until Orzo is done.
Then add all remaining ingredients and stir. Add more milk if necessary. Enjoy. Hope this helps someone.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup orzo, uncooked
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup milk (more or less if needed)
salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in orzo and cook for 3 minutes.
Add in broccoli and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until orzo is tender.
Drain water, then add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, and milk. Stir well and add more milk if needed. Add salt to taste and serve.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
I also was underwhelmed, no flavor, needed a lot more cheese I think
I just made this dish. It’s delicious! It does need salt to bring the flavors alive. As the recipe suggests, salt to taste. Otherwise it will taste bland. Salt makes the flavors come alive. I also added a little more broccoli than the recipe called for (2 1/4 cup diced in small florets). It turned out great! We like to freeze side dishes for future dinners. So this will go into our freezer. Great recipe!
I absolutely adored this orzo dish. I will make it again tomorrow. Your dishes always taste great. Thanks for your most welcome recipes.
Hi Kathy. Thanks so much for your sweet comment. We are happy to hear that you love this Broccoli and Cheese Orzo. Have a great week and stay safe!
Really delicious! Simple to make, colorful (I added chopped carrots), yummy comfort food! I’m going to add smoked scallops next time!
Absolutely delicious and easy. I added shredded deli chicken and made a meal.
Tried this tonight for the first time and my entire family loved it. Was trying to make something new and different with what I had in the house. Simple, easy and delicious.
Chicken added to this recipe is amazing! So glad your family liked it!
Hi Krissy. So glad you liked it! It’s one of our family favorites too!
Thank you so much for this! I always struggle with sides too.
I made this recipe for the first time and it was easy making it and it’s great I will do it again maybe next time with spinach
This was a great recipe, will make it again for sure.
Great flavor and super easy to make. I cooked the Orzo for 3 minutes, then added the broccoli and cooked for 7 minutes more. Came out perfect. WILL DEFINITELY MAKE AGAIN.