This creamy broccoli cheddar orzo makes a simple vegetarian meal or side dish. This 30-minute one-pot dish is adaptable.
INGREDIENTS
– 4 Tablespoons butter, divided– 2 shallots, diced– 3 large cloves garlic, minced– 16 ounces orzo– 4 cups vegetable broth– 2 heads broccoli, chopped into small floret– ¾ cup half and half– 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese– ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese– 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a big pot. Sauté shallots for 4-5 minutes until tender. Sauté garlic for a minute until fragrant. Add orzo and stir for 2 minutes.
Step 1
Scrape the pot bottom and add veggie broth. Turn the heat up to high and boil the mixture, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom to avoid sticking orzo.
Step 2
After boiling, add the broccoli, lower heat to low, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally and paying care to the edges and bottom.
Step 3
Uncover and whisk milk at six minutes. Simmer for another minute to soften the orzo. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stop cooking.
Step 4
For the cracker topping, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat. Add Ritz crackers and brown, stirring periodically.
Step 5
To taste, sprinkle Ritz cracker crumbs and black pepper over broccoli orzo dishes. Serve now.