When I first tried my hand at this One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake Recipe, I had no idea it would become such a staple in my meal rotation. The creamy orzo, cheesy goodness, and vibrant broccoli made every forkful a delight.
What impressed me the most was how effortlessly it all came together in just one pan. The convenience, paired with the indulgent flavors, makes it perfect for weeknights or even a cozy family dinner. If you’re a fan of cheesy comfort food, this dish is bound to win you over!
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Bake?
Simple ingredients combine perfectly to bring out incredible flavors.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavors)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (adds a sweet, savory base)
- 1 cup mushrooms, roughly chopped (provides a lovely umami touch)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (makes the dish rich and creamy)
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta (absorbs the broth beautifully for a soft, chewy texture)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped (fresh and nutritious with a slight crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (adds an herby depth to the dish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (a subtle, fragrant seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional kick of heat)
- Zest of ½ a lemon (brightens the overall profile)
- ½ cup whole milk or canned coconut milk (creaminess without being too heavy)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (classic sharp cheese flavor)
- ½ cup manchego cheese, grated (a nutty, salty addition)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to balance all the flavors)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds a hint of spice)
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth (cooks the pasta while infusing flavor)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, but enhances depth of flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (earthy undertone)
- Fresh basil for serving (a pop of green for garnish)
Note: This recipe serves 4 to 6 generously.
Creative Variations to Try
This dish is versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and needs.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap manchego for Parmesan for a sharper taste or add Gruyère for a melted twist.
- Healthier Options: Choose low-fat milk and cut back on cheese for a lighter dish.
- Protein Additions: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make the dish heartier.
Cooking Time
Pull this dish together in under an hour!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Tools You’ll Need
Get the right equipment ready to make this dish seamless.
- Large Skillet: Big enough to handle all the ingredients in one pan.
- Wooden Spoon: Key for stirring the orzo as it cooks and absorbs the broth.
- Grater: For fresh-shredding the cheese and zesting the lemon.
How to Make One-Pan Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake?
The steps are easy, but each adds something special to the dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3 minutes. You’re building the savory base for the dish here.
Get the Orzo and Broccoli Toasted
Melt the butter in the skillet before adding the orzo, broccoli florets, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its nutty flavor. The broccoli gets a head start on cooking and maintains some crunch.
Simmer Everything to Creamy Perfection
Pour in the white wine and stir as it simmers for about a minute. Add the vegetable broth, bay leaf, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then cook and stir occasionally for another 8-10 minutes until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
Stir in Cheese and Milk
Once the orzo is al dente, mix in the lemon zest and milk for added creaminess. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and manchego cheese until it melts into the dish, creating a gooey, cheesy result.
Bake and Broil for a Cheesy Top
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Top the skillet with the remaining cheese and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. For a bubbly golden finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet and scatter fresh basil across the top. Serve it warm and enjoy all that cheesy, creamy goodness!
Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Orzo Bake
Here are a few things I’ve learned from making this dish over and over.
- Orzo Cooking: Don’t overcook it in the skillet. It continues cooking in the oven.
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so shred yours fresh for the best results.
- Broil with Care: Keep an eye on the oven during broiling for that ideal cheese crust without burning.
How to Serve This Cheesy Skillet Bake?
From family dinners to potlucks, here are some serving ideas.
- Main Dish: Pair with a light green salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a perfectly balanced meal.
- For Gatherings: Bring it hot to a potluck and watch how quickly it disappears.
Nutritional Information
Comfort food meets hearty meal in this satisfying bake.
- Calories: 913
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fat: 47g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers.
Refrigeration
Prepare up to the baking step, then cool and cover tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Finish baking when ready to serve.
Freezing
Make the dish without baking, then tightly wrap in foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake directly before serving for fresh results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish hits all the right notes for comfort and ease!
- One-Skillet Simplicity: Easy prep and cleanup make it a weeknight winner.
- Cheesy Comfort Food: The blend of sharp cheddar and manchego is irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or veggies to make it your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, so nothing goes to waste.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves cheesy, creamy dishes that feel indulgent but are easy to make.
Try this one-pan broccoli cheddar orzo bake, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my household. It’s cozy, flavorful, and effortless, making it perfect for any occasion!
One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 lb dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ½ cup whole milk or canned coconut milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup manchego cheese grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup dry white wine optional
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3 minutes. You’re building the savory base for the dish here.
- Melt the butter in the skillet before adding the orzo, broccoli florets, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its nutty flavor. The broccoli gets a head start on cooking and maintains some crunch.
- Pour in the white wine and stir as it simmers for about a minute. Add the vegetable broth, bay leaf, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then cook and stir occasionally for another 8-10 minutes until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid.
- Once the orzo is al dente, mix in the lemon zest and milk for added creaminess. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and manchego cheese until it melts into the dish, creating a gooey, cheesy result.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Top the skillet with the remaining cheese and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. For a bubbly golden finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the skillet and scatter fresh basil across the top. Serve it warm and enjoy all that cheesy, creamy goodness!
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake fresh.
- Broil Watch: Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
