Creamy and delicious cheesy broccoli orzo is a simple side dish ready in just 15 minutes
Sometimes side dishes are one of the hardest things for me to plan. It’s easier, at times, to pick a main dish. But then I get into a rut on what to serve with it. A garden salad? Often. A bag of steamed veggies? Usually. But I don’t vary much. If I’m making Mexican, it’s often Mexican Rice. If I’m making Italian, it’s Garlic Bread.
And, of course, I’ll roast veggies often – broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or potatoes.
But, still, I like it when something slightly more fun comes along. This is that something fun. This is the creaminess of cheese meets the healthiness of broccoli meets the heft of orzo.
My family loves it because what’s not to love? It’s just good. It’s flavorful. It’s quick to come together. I mean, orzo doesn’t cook for very long. Chopped broccoli doesn’t need very long. In less than 15 minutes, you can have a family favorite on the table!
What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
I especially like it as a side to meals where the meat is more of the focus. Chicken breasts. Or pork tenderloins. Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve with this easy side dish.
More 5-Ingredient Recipes
Love easy recipes like this? Check out the ‘Incredibly Easy 5-ingredient Meal Plan and Cookbook’ with 59 simple recipes and weekly shopping lists for a 6-week meal plan.
Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
- Add in orzo and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add in broccoli and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Drain water. Add in cheese, butter, and milk.
- Stir well and add more milk if needed. Serve!
Jayme is a wife to 1 and a mother to four little boys. She tries to coupon, builds a smart stockpile, and always meal plans. While she likes to cook, she’s in the stage of life where simple is usually better – she never knows how many hands she’ll have free at dinner time! You can find her on Instagram.
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