Name: Creamy One Pot Broccoli Delight in 25 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo; 2 ½ cups vegetable broth; 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Creamy One Pot Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. This easy and fulfilling dish combines tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a recipe designed to please even the pickiest eaters, coming together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables, this creamy broccoli dish fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy One Pot Broccoli

This One Pot Broccoli Recipe is not just quick to prepare; it offers a variety of benefits:

Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a Fast One Pot Broccoli Dinner.
One pot means fewer dishes to wash—more time to enjoy your meal!
It’s a great source of healthy vegetables with broccoli, packed with nutrients.
The creamy texture combined with the sharp cheddar makes for a delightful taste.
Perfect for families, this Easy Creamy Broccoli Meal appeals to all ages.
It’s a vegetarian option, catering to various dietary preferences.
Customizable; you can easily add proteins or other vegetables for variety.
It’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Ingredients for Creamy One Pot Broccoli

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo
2 ½ cups vegetable broth
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
¾ cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy One Pot Broccoli Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the orzo and stir to coat. Toast for 1 minute.
Step 5: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Reduce heat and simmer for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Stir in the broccoli and continue cooking until orzo is al dente and broccoli is tender.
Step 8: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Step 10: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy One Pot Broccoli

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is perfect for busy nights and picky eaters.
Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for a quick meal!
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy One Pot Broccoli

This Creamy Broccoli Casserole can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides. Here are some ideas:

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Pair it with a fresh salad to balance the creaminess.
Top with additional cheese or breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy One Pot Broccoli

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy One Pot Broccoli

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy One Pot Broccoli?

The key to making perfect Creamy Broccoli with Cream Sauce is to ensure the orzo is cooked al dente before adding the cream. This keeps the dish from becoming too mushy.

Can I make Creamy One Pot Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this One Pot Broccoli Recipe ahead of time. Just reheat it gently on the stove to maintain the creaminess.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy One Pot Broccoli?

Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should be tender yet still vibrant. Additionally, add the cream at the end of cooking to keep it from curdling.

Variations of Creamy One Pot Broccoli You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Incorporate different cheeses such as gouda or parmesan for unique flavors.
Experiment with spices and herbs like thyme or nutmeg to enhance the dish.
For a healthy twist, substitute whole grain orzo or zucchini noodles.

For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Potato Soup or Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of broccoli, visit Healthline.

Creamy One Pot Broccoli Delight in 25 Minutes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is an easy and comforting weeknight dinner made with tender orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a luscious, one-pot creamy sauce.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo and stir to coat. Toast for 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the broccoli and continue cooking until orzo is al dente and broccoli is tender.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.