Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Orzo

Vegetables side dishes in our house tend to be frozen veggies. After making the main dish and sometimes a starch to go with it, making a vegetable just does not fit in with the time I usually have to make dinner. I am trying to make more of an effort to include some better vegetable sides dishes and this one makes that effort so easy. This side dish includes a starch and a vegetable, combining the two saves me time in the kitchen. Plus the dish is ready in under 30 minutes and of course it is delicious.

 

Orzo in a creamy and cheesy sauce with some chopped broccoli is a dish I could eat as a main dish. 

Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups orzo
• 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil for about 1 minute. Add the orzo and gently stir it around until it starts to turn golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add in 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and stir until the broth has been absorbed. Stir in the rest of the chicken broth and bring the mixture just to a boil. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
3. Quickly stir the orzo, add in the broccoli and quickly stir again. Cover the skillet again and continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the onions and garlic. Season with black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
5. Add in the half and half and cheddar cheese. Season with more black pepper.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Keep the sauce warm until the orzo has finished cooking.
7. Once the orzo has finished cooking, stir in the sauce. Stir until well combined.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 397
Total Fat		17.3g
Saturated Fat		10g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		2g
Cholesterol		53.3mg
Sodium		187.2mg
Total Carbohydrates		45.7g
Dietary Fiber		3g
Sugars		3.9g
Protein		14.8g
Calcium		16.9%
Iron		11.4%
Potassium		119.4mg
Vitamin A		9.7%
Vitamin C		45%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Happily Unprocessed.