Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (2024)

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is a crowd-pleasing, quick and easy side dish recipe for dinner. Serve with chicken, pork, or a big salad!

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Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (1)

Want to know what I find difficult?Besides finding a hair length I like, painting my own toes, and sleeping on airplanes?

Finding a good side dish recipe.

I’m the kind of person who can sit down with a big bowl of soup or piece of lasagna and be just fine, but Ben likes himself some options at dinnertime. Most nights though, after a long day of work (ie functioning brain cells are at their daily minimum,) all I can think of is tossing together a side salad. Easy but slightly boring.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (2)

The recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Orzo though? Easy and totally UN-boring! This creamy, cheesy, broccoli-studded pasta side dish cooks up in one pan in minutes. Serve with chicken, pork, or a huge salad. Honestly it doesn’t really matter – Cheesy Broccoli Orzo will steal the show.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (3)

How to Make this Recipe

Start by boiling a cup of orzo for a three minutes. Orzo is pasta that looks like grains of rice. Use gluten free if you need it!

After three minutes, addbroccoli floretsthat have been chopped small, then continue to cook until the pasta is al dente.

Drain the mixture very well — broccoli florets are notorious for holding onto water — then return the broccoli and orzo to the pot.

Here’s where the magic happens. To the pot addshredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, plusa pat of butter.

Now, I am NOT the cheese nor butter police, so if you want to add more cheese or butter? GO FOR IT!

Drizzle in milk,any kind, then stir until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt to taste (may not need it) then dish up and dine. I hope you love this incredibly simple yet super tasty side dish – enjoy!

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (9)

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Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

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gluten free

5/5 (7 REVIEWS)

Description

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is a crowd-pleasing, quick and easy side dish recipe for dinner. Serve with chicken, pork, or a big salad!

Ingredients

serves 3-4

  • 1 cup gluten free or regular orzo (dish will not be GF if using regular orzo)
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • salt, to taste

Directions

  1. Add orzo to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes then add chopped broccoli and cook for 2 more minutes, or until orzo is tender. Drain well (broccoli florets are notorious for holding onto water) then return to the pot. Add cheeses, butter, and 1/4 cup milk then stir well and add more milk if needed. Season with salt to taste.

Notes

  • Feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and/or butter to your liking. You may need a touch more milk to get the pasta smooth and creamy.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (10)

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118 Comments

  1. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (11) Mary Koehler 11.13.2022

    Can I use frozen broccoli?

    Reply

  2. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (13) Maggie 05.25.2022

    This is so good! This has quickly become a household favorite and I’ve made it numerous times. Both of my toddlers can’t get enough. When I made it yesterday I added some leftover diced ham for the last minute on the stove and it turned out great!

    5

    Reply

    • Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (14) Kristin 05.27.2022

      That sounds awesome, Maggie – I’m SO glad your kids liked it! Have you seen this recipe? It sounds like what you turned yours into, except it’s made with rice! https://iowagirleats.com/cheesy-ham-and-broccoli-rice-skillet/

      Reply

  3. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (15) Keisha 05.03.2022

    This dish is so quick and taste amazing. My son girlfriend made them ribs and baked beans once she finished what she cooked she turned and what cooked for dinner this with baked chicken.

    5

    Reply

    • Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (16) Kristin 05.09.2022

      Fabulous! So glad you all loved it, Keisha. :)

      Reply

  4. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (17) Leona 02.19.2022

    Great

    Reply

  5. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (18) Jenny 01.29.2022

    The best SIPMPY HEALTHY, high fiber, fast orzo I have ever had. Where are these recipes other than with you! Thank you so much! So easy I know now what to do with the broccoli I should be eatting. I used reduced fat cheese and a little – 2 tbs of parm – and it is wonderful. How many people can eat this whole recipe in one sitting? Thank you so much.

    Reply

  6. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (19) Tammy 01.25.2022

    Very easy and good. I microwaved after combining 3mins covered to cook orzo, since was still al dente. Used a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, and Konriko Jalapeño seasoning for extra flavor.

    5

    Reply

  7. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (21) Jeannie Markech 09.02.2021

    This was absolutely excellent! And easy! Thank you for an outstanding recipe.

    5

    Reply

    • Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (22) Kristin 09.07.2021

      So glad you enjoyed, Jeannie! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  8. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (23) Jami Hoelscher 08.29.2021

    My entire family loved it, not to mention it was very fast and easy to make!

    5

    Reply

    • Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (24) Kristin 08.31.2021

      Success! So glad to hear it, Jami. Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  9. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (25) Bri 01.03.2021

    Great recipe! It came out good! I used broccoli and asparagus with mine along with white sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan. But, nutrition facts? I could not find them. When you are cooking for your spouse who has Type 1 diabetes the nutrition facts in the serving amounts, and amount per serving, etc. are very important. I notice that a lot of recipes online, even a family size recipe, say 1 serving, which is okay, we can do the math, I found nothing on this recipe! But…still okay because i can add up the carbs with each ingredient! Another BUT…please consider people who are cooking for diabetics, special diets, etc., that may really need that info! Still give it 5 stars though! Delicious! Thank you! (And if the nutritional facts were on here and i did not see…sorry!)

    5

    Reply

  10. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (26) Judy 07.17.2018

    Quick easy and tastes great!

    5

    Reply

  11. […] Recipe source: Iowa Girl Eats […]

    Reply

  12. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (28) Cheesy Broccoli Orzo – Iowa Girl Eats – Delectable Salads 03.20.2017

    […] The Recipe can be found HERE […]

    Reply

  13. […] Cheesy Broccoli Orzo. This is a side-dish, but wemay just have it as themain dish. […]

    Reply

  14. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (30) April 02.14.2017

    I just served this with chicken apple sausage. It was so good! Definitely going in my regular rotation. My boys are 1.5 and 3.5 and love it.

    Reply

  15. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (31) Side Dish Roundup: 14 Best Orzo Recipes - The Lovebugs Blog 05.19.2016

    […] Mex Orzo Salad from Table for Two Blog Artichoke Spinach Orzo Salad from Little Broken Cheesy Broccoli Orzo from Iowa Girl Eats Creamy Curry Orzo Salad from Rock Recipes Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad from Give Recipe Mediterranean […]

    Reply

  16. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (32) Dawn 02.29.2016

    Would be great if you listed nutritional info

    Reply

  17. […] Cheesy Broccoli Orzo from Iowa Girl Eats looks simply amazing! I love me some cheese! […]

    Reply

  18. Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (34) Samantha 01.07.2016

    I made this a while aho, and it is seriously the best ever. Going to make it again tonight.

    Reply

    • Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (35) Kristin 01.10.2016

      So glad to hear it, Samantha!

      Reply

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hi, i'm kristin!

I’m a Midwestern wife and Mama, and after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2013 I began sharing delicious and approachable gluten-free recipes made with everyday, in-season ingredients. Welcome!

Learn More

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo - Easy Pasta Side Dish Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is orzo healthier then pasta? ›

Is pasta or orzo healthier? Orzo is rice-shaped pasta. Although its appearance resembles grains of rice, orzo is actually made from a specific type of flour called semolina. Since orzo is a type of pasta, the health benefits of orzo and pasta made from the same ingredients are the same.

How much orzo per person? ›

You can measure out orzo and should plan on about 1/4 cup (or 2 ounces) dry pasta per person. Orzo will more than double in size when cooked so don't worry, there will be enough.

Is orzo ok for weight loss? ›

Orzo might be a good option for them. However, you must keep in mind that orzo is also rich in carbohydrates; too many servings of the pasta can hinder weight loss plans. Therefore, people who want to consume orzo to lose weight should eat it in moderation.

Is orzo a carb or protein? ›

As pasta, orzo is carb-heavy, providing 44g of carbohydrates per 1/2 cup cooked.

What is the healthiest version of pasta? ›

Whole-wheat pasta

Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and grainier texture than ordinary pasta, but when covered with sauce, it's just as delicious. Unlike typical pasta, whole-wheat pasta contains all three parts of the grain — the bran, endosperm and germ — which means it's less processed and more nutritious.

What is a healthier version of orzo? ›

What is a healthy substitute for orzo? Cauliflower rice, corn, quinoa, pearl barley, buckwheat, and couscous are all great healthy substitutes for orzo. Lentils and wild rice are also really healthy and good replacements.

Is orzo good for the gut? ›

Orzo is made from wheat, which is considered a high FODMAP grain due to its fructans content. Fructans are a type of oligosaccharide that can be difficult to digest for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Therefore, traditional orzo made from wheat is not suitable for a low FODMAP diet.

Is pasta or rice better for weight loss? ›

At 117 calories per 100g vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

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