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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty satisfaction of a warm, creamy pasta dish. Enter Broccoli Cheese Orzo Delight—a delightful combination of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and the unique texture of orzo pasta. This dish not only serves as a comforting meal but also brings a nutritious twist to your dining table. Packed with vitamins and minerals, broccoli and cheese complement each other perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that both kids and adults will adore.

Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Discover the creamy goodness of Broccoli Cheese Orzo Delight! This easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta with fresh broccoli, sautéed garlic, and a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar and milk. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious, comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy a healthy twist on classic comfort food!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Blanch the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Set aside.

      Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the vegetable broth and milk to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.

          Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts.

            Mix in Orzo and Broccoli: Add the cooked orzo and blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

              Serve: Spoon the broccoli cheese orzo into serving bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for garnish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4