Lately I’ve been trying to cook new side dishes. I’m always trying to change it up!
I had a bag of orzo that’s been sitting in my pantry for a while. Orzo is rice shaped pasta. It is great in soups, cold pasta salads, the options are endless.
In past posts, you may know how I loathe washing dishes. If there is a way to cook everything in one pot I will do it!
I found a bag of frozen broccoli in my freezer and decided I would make a cheesy broccoli orzo. Fresh broccoli can also be used!
Here is how I threw it together.
Saute onion and garlic in a little olive oil and butter,
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss in the broccoli and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until defrosted and softened. Add white wine.
Cook until wine reduces by half.
Add broth and milk, a little more salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
Add orzo to the pot. Give it a stir, bring back to a simmer, Cook for 8 minutes, stirring the pot every few minutes so orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the cheeses. Cook for additional 2 minutes, season to taste. (every brand of parmesan/romano cheese can have different levels of saltiness, so add final seasonings after cheese is added)
Marvelous! I served it with some roasted chicken.
Can’t get enough of this stuff!
One Pot Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
10 oz bag frozen broccoli or 1 head broccoli
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 lb orzo
4 oz Velveeta, cubed
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese
salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Add broccoli and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until defrosted and soft.
Pour in wine and cook until it reduces by half (just a few minutes).
Add broth, milk, and a pinch more salt and pepper to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the orzo and bring back to a low simmer.
Cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently so orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in cheese and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Season to taste.