Name: Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup roughly chopped mushrooms; 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for topping; 1 bay leaf; zest of 1/2 a lemon; fresh basil, for serving; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; kosher salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 pound dry orzo pasta (use gluten free, if needed); 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated asiago or manchego cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 44 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe will become your new best friend. I promise, once you make it, it’s hard to go back to ordinary pasta dinners — creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, this one skillet wonder is every bit as satisfying as it sounds.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is minimal, which I love after busy weeknights.
Flavor Harmony: The blend of sharp cheddar, creamy milk, and bright lemon zest creates a balanced, crave-worthy dish.
Perfect Texture: Toasting the orzo before simmering keeps it from getting mushy and delivers a nice bite every time.
Versatile & Customizable: You can swap cheeses, add spices, or sneak in more veggies based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, cheesy broccoli pasta bake, creamy orzo casserole, easy broccoli pasta recipe, one skillet pasta with cheese - A black cast-iron pan filled with a baked casserole showing at least three layers: the bottom layer consists of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of broccoli and shredded chicken, the middle layer has melted cheese with both white and orange shades evenly spread, and the top layer is a slightly browned cheese crust dotted with green basil and thyme leaves. A silver spoon scoops out a portion, revealing the soft texture of the rice and broccoli underneath the cheesy surface. The pan rests on a textured wooden table with some green leaves scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients work together like old friends — the orzo gets toasty and absorbs all the savory mushroom and onion goodness, while broccoli brings freshness and bite. The combo of cheddar and asiago cheese adds depth and gooey melted magic. Here’s why each one matters:

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, cheesy broccoli pasta bake, creamy orzo casserole, easy broccoli pasta recipe, one skillet pasta with cheese - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a whole yellow onion peeled with top and root ends visible, a small white ceramic bowl filled with roughly chopped fresh white mushrooms, two tablespoons of salted butter on a simple white ceramic dish, a small mound of dry orzo pasta scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh green thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding dry white wine, a heap of bright green broccoli florets, a fresh glossy bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl with a fine white powder of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red cayenne pepper powder, half a lemon with fresh zest visible, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with grated asiago cheese, a few sprigs of fresh basil, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing your veggies and building flavor from the start.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a mellow depth; chop it fairly fine so it cooks evenly.
Mushrooms: Their earthiness complements the cheddar perfectly; I like button or cremini.
Salted butter: Brings richness and helps toast the orzo beautifully.
Orzo pasta: The star here — cooks quickly and bakes into a creamy casserole. Don’t skip the toasting step!
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds herby brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Vegetable broth: Keeps the orzo cooking flavorful and moist.
Dry white wine: This sneaky addition adds acidity and complexity — optional, but I highly recommend.
Broccoli florets: Adds color and crunch — try to get nice fresh ones for best texture.
Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes during cooking.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
Cayenne pepper: A little kick that wakes up your palate; adjust to your heat preference.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Whole milk or canned coconut milk: Creates creaminess while keeping the bake tender.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The melty, cheesy star — use a good quality sharp cheddar for best flavor.
Asiago or manchego cheese: Adds nuttiness and a different texture to the cheese blend.
Fresh basil: For serving — adds a peppery, aromatic finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often like to play with this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe — it’s such a great base for customization. Whether you want to make it vegan, spice it up more, or bring in some extra veggies, there’s lots of room to experiment.

Make it vegan: I swap the dairy for coconut or oat milk, use vegan butter, and swap cheddar for a plant-based cheese. It’s surprisingly comforting, even without the real cheese.
Veggie upgrade: Sometimes I add roasted red peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spice it up: If you like heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes along with cayenne boosts the kick. I learned that a little at a time is best here!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Sauté onions and mushrooms until fragrant

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it starts to shimmer (that means it’s hot enough!), toss in the chopped onions. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until sweet and fragrant — this step builds the flavor base. Next, add your mushrooms and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. I find stirring occasionally helps everything brown evenly without burning.

Step 2: Toast orzo and add aromatics

To the softened veggies, add butter, dry orzo, broccoli florets, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything for about 5 minutes until the orzo is golden and toasty — this is a crucial step to bring out nutty flavors and prevent mushiness later on. Don’t rush; keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 3: Simmer with liquids and seasonings

Pour in the white wine, vegetable broth, add the bay leaf, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and plenty of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir, then let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring often to stop the orzo from sticking and check for doneness — you want it al dente, not mushy. If the liquid absorbs too quickly, feel free to add a splash more broth or water.

Step 4: Finish with cheese, lemon zest, and bake

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, stir in fresh lemon zest, milk, and half a cup of sharp cheddar cheese. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer this mixture to a casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar and asiago or manchego cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted to perfection. For that irresistible golden crispy top, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Serve warm sprinkled with fresh thyme and basil leaves for extra vibrancy.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Don’t Skip Toasting the Orzo: It makes all the difference in texture and flavor — trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Wine Adds Depth: If you’re hesitant to add wine, start with a splash and taste as you go. It brightens the dish without overpowering.
Keep Stirring While Simmering: Orzo can stick and burn easily. Stirring frequently prevents this and ensures even cooking.
Watch the Broil Closely: When broiling the cheese top, stay nearby — it goes from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds!

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, cheesy broccoli pasta bake, creamy orzo casserole, easy broccoli pasta recipe, one skillet pasta with cheese - The image shows a baked dish with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese on top that looks slightly crispy at the edges. Underneath the cheese are visible chunks of green broccoli and a mix of rice or small pasta, which seem soft and mixed well with creamy sauce. Fresh green basil leaves and small sprigs of herbs are scattered on top as garnish. The dish is in a dark round pan placed on a white marbled surface with a silver serving spoon slightly scooping some of the baked food, revealing the cheese stretching and the mixed texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh basil and a sprinkle of thyme leaves right off the oven — it adds such a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich cheese. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top gives it just the right finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This bake is a hearty standalone meal, but when I want to add a side, something crisp and simple works well — like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes. A light cucumber salad is also a nice fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and herbs for a stunning personal portion. It’s a fun way to present and keeps everyone feeling special. Adding toasted pine nuts on top adds lovely crunch and a nutty flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bake holds up beautifully — just make sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works great with this recipe too. I prepare everything through the simmering step, cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a couple of hours before baking as usual.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven to keep it evenly heated without drying out. About 10-15 minutes usually does the trick. If you want crispy topping again, I pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two at the end.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo in the Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe?

While orzo is ideal because it cooks quickly and bakes nicely, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small elbows. Just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust liquid amounts as needed, since other pasta might absorb differently.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and choose your favorite vegan cheeses. I’ve made it this way with great results, although the flavor will be a bit different but still creamy and satisfying.
Can I prepare the bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dish through the simmering step, then refrigerate for up to two days before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven, so it heats evenly.
What wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect here — it adds bright acidity without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can simply omit it and add a bit more broth.
How spicy is this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick that’s easy to adjust. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less or skip it entirely — the dish is delicious even without heat.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe has become a go-to comfort dish for me, especially on chilly nights when I want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. I love how it’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to share with friends or family. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again — the kind of recipe that feels like a cozy kitchen hug.