Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Orzo

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Get ready for the ultimate broccoli cheese casserole made with fresh broccoli and delicious orzo pasta!

This fantastic broccoli cheese casserole is cooked in a trusty cast iron skillet and features our favorite pasta – orzo!

Prepare yourself for the broccoli casserole you’ve always dreamed of because this broccoli and cheese casserole is exactly that.

With toasted orzo, fresh broccoli, and a simple cheese sauce, this casserole is the perfect addition to any meal, whether as a side or a main course. Plus, you’ll only need one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!

Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Orzo

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• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: Side Dish

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small white onion (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 teaspoons dried chives
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup 2% or whole milk
• 2 teaspoons Frank’s hot sauce
• 12 oz. broccoli florets (chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1.5 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet with sides over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once fragrant, add the minced onion. Season with ⅛ teaspoon of salt and sauté for 3 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute before adding orzo pasta. Toss the orzo with onion and garlic and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, stirring consistently.
3. Add remaining salt, chives, black pepper, broth, milk, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer orzo for 3-4 minutes.
4. Uncover the skillet and add chopped broccoli. Gently toss with orzo, cover, and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until most liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove skillet from heat, add cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly cracked pepper.

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Notes

• Add broccoli later to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• If there’s excess liquid after 6-8 minutes, leave skillet uncovered for a few minutes to cook off the liquid.