Are you hunting for a super easy dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this amazing Broccoli Orzo Bake! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and hearty vegetarian meal that comes together right in one dish.
We’re talking minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Seriously, you just toss the ingredients in a pan and let the oven do the hard work! Get ready to add this quick recipe to your weeknight rotation—it’s truly a winner.
What’s in Broccoli Orzo Bake?
This comforting bake uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have at home.
The star is orzo, a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that gives the bake a wonderful, creamy texture, almost like a quick, no-fuss risotto. It cooks fast and absorbs all the yummy flavor from the stock.
The broccoli is chopped into small chunks, which allows it to get tender and slightly caramelized as it bakes alongside the onion and garlic. These veggies pack a punch and add great nutritional value.
Finally, the pesto acts as a secret weapon, adding a depth of savory, herby flavor that makes the dish irresistible. To top it off, paprika gives a hint of warmth and a beautiful, rustic color.
What Can I Add?
This one-pan pasta is incredibly flexible! Feel free to mix and match to use whatever you have in your kitchen.
Meat Power: Easily turn this into a heartier dish! Simply stir in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken, cubed ham, or even pre-cooked mini meatballs before you add the orzo and stock.
Veggie Swaps: You can switch out the broccoli for other fast-cooking vegetables. Try adding chopped zucchini, asparagus, or diced bell peppers. Just make sure the pieces are small so they cook evenly.
Spice Level: If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder mixed in with the paprika adds a welcome kick.
Cheese Blend: The recipe calls for standard grated cheese, but mixing in some mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a little goat cheese can give the final dish a delicious, complex flavor boost.
How to Make Broccoli Orzo Bake Step by Step
This recipe uses the oven method for a true “bake,” but you can find the easy stovetop method in the notes below!
- First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a roasting tin or oven-safe dish, pour the oil. Then add the chopped onion, broccoli chunks, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Next, toss everything together well so the oil and seasonings coat the vegetables completely.
- Bake this mixture for 10 minutes. This gives the veggies a head start and makes them extra flavorful.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Now, add the orzo pasta, pesto, and vegetable stock.
- Stir everything well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or use aluminum foil. Bake for another 15 minutes.
- Take the pan out again. Remove the lid or foil, add the peas, and give it one last stir.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the orzo mixture.
- Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for a final 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Check that the orzo is cooked through and tender before serving immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips for Success!
To get perfect results every time, keep these simple tips in mind.
Keep your paragraphs short and snappy for better reading flow!
The stronger the cheese, the better the final taste. A sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a mature Parmesan blend works best because its flavor stands up well to the sauce.
Don’t skip the step of covering the pan! The cover traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the orzo properly in the stock and creating that creamy, risotto-like texture.
Remember to stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time. This prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan and helps it cook evenly.
What to Serve with Broccoli Orzo Bake
This dish is filling enough on its own, as it has carbs, protein, and vegetables. However, a light side dish can complete the meal beautifully.
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve with a simple side salad tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic Bread: No pasta meal is complete without a little bread for scooping! Toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect.
- Tangy Topping: Offer a dollop of sour cream, crème fraîche, or plain Greek yogurt on the side for anyone who wants a cool, creamy finish.
Storage & Reheating
It is always great to have leftovers ready for lunch the next day!
In the Fridge: Store any leftover bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tip: Orzo can get a bit sticky and dry after refrigeration. To bring back its creamy texture, always add a splash (about 1–2 tablespoons) of water, milk, or even an ice cube to the dish before reheating.
Heat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. The added liquid will steam and moisturize the pasta again.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Orzo Bake is proof that a quick, budget-friendly meal can still be absolutely delicious. It’s easy, satisfying, and uses just one pan!
Give this simple, yet flavorful, recipe a try tonight and see for yourself how simple weeknight cooking can be. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and tell us how your family enjoyed this one-pot wonder!
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One-Pot Broccoli Orzo Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a roasting tin, toss the oil, onion, broccoli, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Bake for 10 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Remove from the oven, then stir in the orzo, pesto, and vegetable stock. Mix well.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover, stir in the peas, and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for a final 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check that the orzo is tender and serve hot.
Notes
- Stovetop Alternative: If you prefer the hob, sauté the onion and garlic first, then add the stock, orzo, and broccoli. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in pesto/peas, then top with cheese and place under a hot grill/broiler for 5 minutes.
- Cheese Flavor: For the best results, choose a sharp-flavored cheese, such as mature cheddar or a good Italian Parmesan, as the flavor will really shine through the creamy orzo.
