One-Pan Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This one-pan broccoli cheddar orzo skillet is everything I want on a busy weeknight when I crave creamy comfort food but want minimum mess. Tender orzo soaks up flavor from melting cheese and crisp broccoli—all ready in just thirty minutes, no separate pots or draining needed. The textures and flavors remind me of a cozy casserole, minus the effort.

The first time I made this was after a packed workday when I felt too tired for anything fussy. It was such a hit with my kids that I have kept it on rotation ever since. It feels homey but never heavy.

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: fresh and vibrant in color for crisp bites
• Yellow onion: look for one with thin skin and no soft spots to add aromatic sweetness
• Garlic: opt for plump firm cloves to give the dish a savory base
• Orzo pasta: choose high quality for the best creamy texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: use aged cheddar for deeper flavor and excellent melt
• Whole milk: pick whole for richness but lower fat milk will work
• Unsalted butter: fresh butter adds flavor and gives you control over the salt level
• Low-sodium vegetable broth: look for clear and deeply golden broth for more depth
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors use flaky for best results
• Freshly ground black pepper: choose whole peppercorns and grind fresh for the brightest spice
• Crushed red pepper flakes: optional for a gentle heat
• Ground nutmeg: optional but adds subtle warmth

Instructions

Melt the Butter:

Place your deep skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When it foams and smells nutty you are ready for the next step.

Sauté the Onion:

Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Stir often and cook until the onion turns soft and translucent. This should take about three to four minutes and it is where the sweetness begins developing.

Add the Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic. Let it cook just long enough for the aroma to bloom, about thirty seconds.

Toast the Orzo:

Pour the orzo pasta into the pan. Stir constantly for one minute so the grains get coated with butter and aromatics. This helps infuse flavor and prevents sticking.

Simmer with Broth and Seasonings:

Add vegetable broth along with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. The broth should surround the orzo but not boil rapidly.

Cook the Broccoli and Orzo:

Gently mix in the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for eight to ten minutes. Give it a stir a couple of times during cooking so nothing sticks. Check that the orzo is al dente and most liquid has absorbed.

Make it Creamy:

Lower the heat to very low. Add milk and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until a silky sauce forms and everything cloaks the orzo.

Melt the Cheese Cap:

Sprinkle all the remaining cheddar across the surface. Put the lid back on and let it sit for a minute or two. The cheese will melt into an irresistible topping.

Taste and Finish:

Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Dish it hot and add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if you like.

Broccoli is my secret to sneaking extra nutrition into cheesy pasta. My mother always tucked extra veggies into comfort dishes like this and it is one of those traditions that makes every bite feel nostalgic.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool before placing in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm over low heat, stirring so it turns creamy again. If you are looking to freeze, let the skillet cool then portion into freezer safe containers. Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cheddar with gruyere or fontina for a more complex cheese pull. Use baby spinach or peas in place of some broccoli if you want a softer green. For vegan needs, try swapping in plant based butter and cheese plus unsweetened oat milk.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is satisfying on its own. Try serving with a crisp green apple salad or roasted tomatoes. If you want to bulk up the protein, add in some leftover rotisserie chicken or white beans.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

This recipe speaks to classic American comfort food traditions. It brings together some of the best parts of a broccoli cheddar casserole on busy nights. In spring, tender asparagus can be added in place of part of the broccoli. Fall is a perfect time to throw in roasted butternut squash cubes.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap broccoli for asparagus or snap peas in spring. Add roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes in fall. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving.

Success Stories

So many home cooks tell me their kids eat more vegetables with this recipe. It is also a favorite for potlucks and easy lunches. The most common feedback is that no one misses meat and leftovers taste even better.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can easily make this a freezer meal. Cook as directed then cool and portion into containers. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash more broth or milk. This is a relief on busy days when you need nourishing comfort in minutes.

This skillet is sure to become a family favorite you turn to again and again. Enjoy the creamy comfort without the fuss every busy night of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Thaw and drain well before adding to the skillet for the best texture.

→ How do I avoid sticky orzo?

Stir orzo frequently during cooking and add broth gradually as needed to maintain creaminess without clumping.

→ What cheese substitutes work well?

Try Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile while maintaining creamy meltiness.

→ Is this meal gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free orzo pasta to make the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.

→ How can I add more protein?

Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans during the final step for a heartier, protein-rich meal.

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

This dish tastes best freshly made, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of extra milk to restore creaminess.