Name: One Pot Cheesy Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 cup whole milk; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This creamy, cheesy one-pot orzo dish is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect as a side dish or a main course, ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Cheesy Orzo is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It combines the convenience of a one-pot meal with rich, cheesy comfort food flavor. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. The creamy texture and savory taste make it an instant hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish or a simple main course, this versatile orzo recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Orzo pasta resembles rice in shape but is actually a small pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. It creates the perfect base for this creamy dish.

Chicken broth infuses the orzo with savory flavor as it cooks, eliminating the need to cook pasta separately. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version with equally delicious results.

Whole milk adds creaminess to the dish without making it too heavy. The milk works with the starchy pasta to create a silky texture.

Cheddar cheese provides that classic sharp, tangy flavor and beautiful golden color. It melts perfectly into the sauce, creating rich pockets of cheesy goodness.

Mozzarella cheese brings a mild flavor and that coveted stretchy texture that makes every bite satisfying. Its melting properties make this dish irresistibly creamy.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the dish, providing depth of flavor. They become sweet and mellow when sautéed in olive oil.

Dried oregano adds an herbal note that complements the cheesy flavors and adds dimension to the dish. It’s a simple way to elevate the flavor profile.

Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, adding a subtle fruity undertone to the dish. It helps prevent sticking and brings all the flavors together.

Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and a fresh, clean flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the mixture is creamy.
Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. It contains approximately 400 calories per serving. The entire dish comes together in just 20 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. This quick cooking time makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.

Variations

Mediterranean Orzo: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese instead of the cheddar and mozzarella. Finish with fresh basil instead of parsley.

Vegetable Orzo: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes when sautéing the onions for a nutrient-packed version.

Protein-Packed Orzo: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, or sautéed shrimp in the final stages of cooking.

Spinach and Mushroom Orzo: Add sautéed mushrooms and a few handfuls of baby spinach at the end of cooking for an earthy variation.

Pesto Orzo: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of basil pesto along with the cheese for a fragrant, herby twist.

Spicy Orzo: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cheesy orzo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, making it thicker when chilled.

Freezing: While possible to freeze, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth (2-3 tablespoons per cup of leftovers) to loosen the mixture as it warms, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Microwave Reheating: Place in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

Refreshing Leftovers: To revitalize leftover orzo, consider adding fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil after reheating to bring back some of the original texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like small shells, stelline, or acini di pepe with similar cooking times. Adjust the liquid and cooking time slightly as needed, as different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

What protein would pair well with this as a side dish?

This cheesy orzo pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, pan-seared steak, or garlic shrimp. It also works well alongside simple roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

My orzo seems too thick/thin. How can I adjust the consistency?

If too thick, add a splash more broth or milk and gently heat through. If too thin, continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or add a small amount of additional cheese.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese, or should I grate my own?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly because it doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents found in packaged shredded cheese. For the creamiest result, grate your own.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily incorporate vegetables like peas, chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Add hardier vegetables when sautéing the onions, and more delicate ones like spinach or frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. All other ingredients are already vegetarian.

What should I do if my orzo starts sticking to the pot?

Make sure to stir the orzo frequently, especially as the liquid reduces. Keeping the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil also helps prevent sticking. If sticking occurs, add a small splash of broth or milk and gently scrape the bottom of the pot.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger pot to ensure even cooking, and you may need to extend the cooking time slightly. Be sure to stir more frequently to prevent sticking when making a larger batch.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheesy Orzo is the definition of comfort food made simple. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and minimal cleanup, it’s bound to become a staple in your household. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—enjoy it as a satisfying side, a main course, or a base for endless variations. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all day, this recipe delivers both convenience and flavor. The combination of tender orzo, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts—proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

One Pot Cheesy Orzo