Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Name: Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Cabot Salted Butter, plus more for greasing the casserole dish; 1 small yellow onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound dry orzo pasta; 4 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped (about 1 large head); 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup dry white wine (or swap in extra chicken stock); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh); 1 bay leaf; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup whole milk; 12 ounces Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups), divided

Servings

6

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons Cabot Salted Butter, plus more for greasing the casserole dish
1 small yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound dry orzo pasta
4 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped (about 1 large head)
3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup dry white wine (or swap in extra chicken stock)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup whole milk
12 ounces Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups), divided

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Directions

PREHEAT the oven to 400°F.
GREASE a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish with butter.
PLACE the broccoli in a large microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap (do not add water). Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Set aside.
HEAT the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the foaming subsides, add the onion and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds longer, until fragrant.
ADD the orzo, broth, wine, thyme, bay leaf, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf.
STIR in the milk and 2 cups of the shredded cheese, along with the broccoli. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese.
BAKE for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and broccoli is tender.