Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with creamy cheese and comes together in one pot? You’ve found it! This Cheesy One Pot Orzo is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Picture soft, tender orzo coated in a cheesy, velvety sauce with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of herbs. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. Trust me, this one’s going to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy One Pot Orzo
Let me tell you why this dish is a total win. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a solo indulgence, this Cheesy One Pot Orzo has you covered. It’s easy, cheesy, and super satisfying, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without all the fuss. Here’s why you’ll love it:
One Pot Wonder: All the ingredients come together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. No need for multiple pans and utensils.
Creamy and Cheesy: With a generous amount of cheese, this dish delivers all the creamy, gooey goodness you crave. It’s like macaroni and cheese but with a twist!
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a great choice for busy nights. You won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy something comforting and delicious.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking. Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or throw in some cooked chicken for extra protein.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Who doesn’t love cheesy pasta?
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this rich, cheesy orzo dish:
Orzo: The star of the show! This small, rice-shaped pasta soaks up the creamy sauce and is the perfect base for a cheesy dish.
Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and gives the dish its signature cheesy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan adds depth and a nice salty bite to balance out the creaminess.
Cream Cheese: For that extra smooth and rich texture that makes the sauce velvety and dreamy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a savory base, adding just the right amount of flavor.
Chicken Broth: This helps to cook the orzo and creates the flavorful sauce that pulls everything together.
Butter: A bit of butter adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic and create that creamy sauce.
Milk: To balance the richness and make the sauce even creamier.
Italian Seasoning: A bit of Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together, giving the dish a subtle herby kick.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Cheesy One Pot Orzo:
Sauté the Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This will infuse the butter with a savory, garlicky goodness.
Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, letting it toast lightly in the butter for about 2 minutes. This gives the orzo a nice flavor boost before adding the liquids.
Pour in the Broth and Milk: Add the chicken broth and milk to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the Cream Cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the orzo. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir, and your Cheesy One Pot Orzo is ready to serve!
How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Orzo
Cheesy One Pot Orzo is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving suggestions:
Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheesy orzo.
Grilled Chicken: Add a protein like grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies, like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots, add some color and nutrition to your plate.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve the orzo with a slice of garlic bread for a comforting carb overload.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make this dish even better:
Add Veggies: For a veggie-packed twist, stir in some spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Make it Protein-Packed: Toss in some cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon for a heartier meal.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda to create a unique flavor profile.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the creaminess.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: While orzo works best for this recipe, you can use another small pasta like ditalini or elbows. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the orzo ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a little milk to restore the creaminess.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat gently on the stovetop.
Q4: How can I make this dish lighter?
A4: You can use low-fat milk and cream cheese, and substitute the butter with olive oil to lighten up the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.
Q5: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon would be great additions to make the dish more filling.
Q6: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk to make a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the dish creamy.
Q8: Can I make this spicier?
A8: Yes! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Just make sure you use a larger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Q10: What can I serve with this dish?
A10: This Cheesy One Pot Orzo is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meat.
Conclusion
Cheesy One Pot Orzo is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a family meal, this dish checks all the boxes—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, the one-pot convenience means less mess and more time to enjoy the meal. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this cozy, cheesy creation!
Print
Cheesy One Pot Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy orzo dish made in one pot with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Add Orzo and Broth:
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Add Protein: Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
- More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese after the cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg