Description
This One Pan Broccoli Orzo is a delicious easy weeknight dinner that can be ready on the table in just 30 minutes! It's creamy, cheesy, and hearty. You can serve its own or with a side of protein like roasted chicken, meat, or fish!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup dry orzo
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or other mixed herbs)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 1/2 - 4 cups vegetable broth (I used low-sodium broth)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces, 1-2 heads of broccoli)
- 1/2-3/4 cup pecorino or parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Add avocado oil and diced onion to a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the onion on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until glossy and slightly golden. Add more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until just fragrant.
- Add dry orzo and stir it with the oil and onions to toast it gently for a minute.
- Season with Italian seasoning and sea salt and add vegetable broth. Start with a little bit at first to deglaze the pan, stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Add the rest of the broth and stir to mix everything.
- Top with broccoli florets and bring the broth to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick.
- Add pecorino or parmesan, lemon juice, red pepper flakes if using, and black pepper to taste. Stir and keep simmering on low heat until the orzo has absorbed all the broth.
- Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs and serve with more pecorino, chopped herbs, and black pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing: Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing it.
Reheating: Reheat the orzo in a saucepan or a pan on the stove with a splash of water to prevent it from sticking.
Optional add-ins: You can add grated mozzarella at the end of cooking to make it extra cheesy or heavy cream along with the broth to make it creamier.