Broccoli and Cheese Orzo Recipe (2024)

I am a busy mom that barely has time to make a main dish, let alone side dishes. This broccoli and Cheese Orzo is a life saver. It is so easy to make and full of flavor, as well as secret vegetables. If you don't have time for a side dish, this is definitely a recipe I recommend making.

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.

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

Related recipe: want even more orzo recipes? Try our Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad.

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More Side Dishes we love:

Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe
Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Copycat Recipe
Blueberry Fluff Salad Recipe
Slow Cooker Corn On The Cob Recipe

Serves: 4 people

Broccoli and Cheese Orzo Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This broccoli and Cheese Orzo is a life saver. It is so easy to make and full of flavor, as well as secret vegetables.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

1 cup orzo uncooked
1½ cups broccoli chopped
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoon grated 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

Here are a few other vegetables you could add to this recipe:

Asparagus
Zucchini
Celery
Spinach
Green Beans

Nutrition

Calories: 227 kcal · Carbohydrates: 31 g · Protein: 9 g · Fat: 7 g · Saturated Fat: 4 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 19 mg · Sodium: 129 mg · Potassium: 229 mg · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 3 g · Vitamin A: 425 IU · Vitamin C: 30 mg · Calcium: 126 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

large pot

Recipe Details

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Recipe source: Iowa Girl Eats

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Abigail says:

I love your low-carb healthy dishes. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle says:

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?
Leslie says:

yes, I'm having the same issue. Picture of orzo/broccoli but recipe for ramen salad. OOOOPSSS. Help.
Sarah Wolfe says:

Me too! I think the links are mixed up.
Stefanie says:

I have
Kristin Chadwick says:

Love this dish, will make it again.
Jennifer says:

I am making this with riced cauliflower instead of orzo to make it carb free. Yum thanks
See Also
41 Easy High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
Lindsey Blackstone says:

Absolutely love this! Really simple and quick. Made it two nights in a row
Susan Wellman says:

sounds good. going to try this. and I am seeing this recipe
Dawn says:

Personally, I was underwhelmed ?I added roasted pine nuts & cracked pepper. It helped.
Janine says:

INGREDIENTS1 cup orzo, uncooked1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese1 Tablespoon butter1/3 cup milk (more or less if needed)salt to tasteBoil 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.
Janine says:

INGREDIENTS1 cup orzo, uncooked1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese1 Tablespoon butter1/3 cup milk (more or less if needed)salt to tasteINSTRUCTIONSBring 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.
Rena porter says:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Sue says:

I also was underwhelmed, no flavor, needed a lot more cheese I think
Lauren says:

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!
Kathy says:

I absolutely adored this orzo dish. I will make it again tomorrow. Your dishes always taste great. Thanks for your most welcome recipes.
Cyd says:

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!
Joan says:

Really delicious! Simple to make, colorful (I added chopped carrots), yummy comfort food! I’m going to add smoked scallops next time!
Pam says:

Absolutely delicious and easy. I added shredded deli chicken and made a meal.
Krissy says:

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.
Momma Cyd says:

Chicken added to this recipe is amazing! So glad your family liked it!
Momma Cyd says:

Hi Krissy. So glad you liked it! It's one of our family favorites too!
Jenn says:

Thank you so much for this! I always struggle with sides too.
Beth says:

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

About The Author:

Camille Beckstrand

Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She is a certified life coach that loves helping women become "unstuck" in their lives and is the host of the podcast "Moms On The Rise". She also loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

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