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Creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Garlic and Lemon Zest

Close-up of a serving of creamy One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo with melted cheddar and bright green broccoli florets.
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Make a flavorful and creamy orzo dish with broccoli and cheddar cheese using only one pot for simple cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it in the oil mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Uncover the pot. Stir in the broccoli florets. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and lemon zest until the mixture is creamy.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the vegetable broth with chicken broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the cheese.
  • You can substitute the cheddar and Gruyère with Monterey Jack or Fontina cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/one-pot-broccoli-cheese-orzo-recipe/