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 19 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s loaded with cheesy goodness and vibrant veggies, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—rich, satisfying, and just begging for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight winner, especially when you want something quick but feels like a special treat.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and more flavor as the orzo soaks up all the delicious broth and seasonings.
Cheese Trio Harmony: Sharp cheddar, asiago, and manchego blend perfectly to give a luscious, melty top and deep cheesy flavor throughout.
Bright Veggie Boost: Broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a healthy pop of green—plus that lemon zest brightens everything up beautifully.
Customizable Spice: A pinch of cayenne adds just the right kick, but you can adjust it to your taste, making this dish flexible for everyone at your table.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, easy cheesy broccoli pasta, healthy broccoli casserole, creamy baked orzo, quick weeknight dinner - 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

The magic in this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor. Each component brings its own character, so picking good-quality basics makes all the difference. I always recommend using fresh thyme and sharp cheeses for the best results.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, easy cheesy broccoli pasta, healthy broccoli casserole, creamy baked orzo, quick weeknight dinner - 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: Adds a fruity, peppery base flavor and helps sauté the veggies beautifully without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that mellows as it cooks.
Mushrooms: Add earthy depth and umami, making the bake feel more substantial.
Salted butter: Contributes richness and helps toast the orzo to a lovely golden color.
Orzo pasta: Small and quick-cooking, perfect for soaking up all those wonderful flavors without getting mushy. Use gluten-free if you need.
Fresh thyme leaves: Infuse a fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with broccoli and cheese.
Vegetable broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful while cooking the orzo to al dente perfection.
Dry white wine: Adds subtle acidity and a fruity brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works, but fresh adds the best texture and pops of color.
Bay leaf: A little background flavor that rounds out the broth’s taste.
Garlic powder: Provides mellow garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle heat to balance the richness, adjustable to your spice preference.
Lemon zest: A bright lift that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy or creamy.
Whole milk or canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess with a slight sweetness; coconut milk works great for a dairy-free twist.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star melty cheese providing that classic cheesy flavor.
Grated asiago or manchego: Adds nuttiness and a robust flavor that complements cheddar wonderfully.
Fresh basil: For serving, adding a fresh herbal note and color contrast.

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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

Nothing thrills me more than making this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe truly mine, and I encourage you to do the same! Feel free to swap in veggies you love or change the cheese blend to what’s in your fridge. It’s flexible, which means you can make it your way every time.

Swap in Cauliflower or Spinach: I sometimes substitute half the broccoli with cauliflower or add fresh spinach at step 2, stirring it in just before baking for extra greens.
Use Different Cheeses: Pepper jack or mozzarella can add a gooey, melty texture with a flavor twist.
Dairy-Free Version: Coconut milk works great, and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick without dairy.
Kick Up the Spice: If you love heat, add extra cayenne or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor spectrum.

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

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and toast the orzo

I start by heating the olive oil over medium heat until it just shimmers—this tells me it’s ready to work its magic. Then in goes the chopped onion, cooking gently until it smells sweet and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms next, and season with salt and pepper. The mushrooms soften quickly, adding that tasty umami lift. Next, add the butter, orzo, broccoli, and fresh thyme leaves. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the orzo turns golden and releases that fabulous nutty aroma. This toasting step is key for flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Deglaze and simmer with broth and wine

Once the orzo is beautifully toasted, pour in the dry white wine—listen for that satisfying sizzle as it deglazes the pan. Then stir in the vegetable broth, bay leaf, garlic powder, cayenne, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. This slow simmering lets the pasta soak up the rich flavors and softens the broccoli just right. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash more broth as needed.

Step 3: Stir in cheesy goodness and bake

When the orzo is perfectly cooked but still has a little bite, remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, milk, and half of the sharp cheddar cheese until everything is creamy and well combined. I usually transfer the mixture to a casserole dish here (if I wasn’t already using an oven-safe skillet) to make layering cheese on top easier. Scatter the rest of the cheddar and the asiago or manchego across the whole top. Then into the oven it goes—bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. For that irresistible crispy cheese crust, I switch the oven to broil and keep a close eye for another 1-2 minutes until it browns just right. Yum!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Don’t Skip Toasting the Orzo: This step adds a subtle nuttiness that lifts the whole dish—trust me, it’s worth those extra minutes.
Keep Stirring While Simmering: Orzo can stick if you forget it, so frequent stirring prevents clumps and uneven cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and basil finish the dish with bright, lively flavors that dried herbs just can’t match.
Watch the Broiling Close: Cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly, so hang around and check every 30 seconds to get it perfect.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, easy cheesy broccoli pasta, healthy broccoli casserole, creamy baked orzo, quick weeknight dinner - 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 always sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and torn basil right on top just before serving—it adds a fresh herbaceous lift and a pop of green that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. A little cracked black pepper over the top never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

This bake stands beautifully on its own but if you want to round things out, a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread makes an ideal pairing. For heartier meals, pan-seared chicken or baked salmon complement the cheesy, veggie-filled orzo perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this recipe in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf. It feels special and doubles as an easy portion control. Another time, I folded in bits of sun-dried tomatoes and popped it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a colorful, fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the bake into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. It reheats really well, so I often pack it up for lunch the next day with a little extra fresh basil on top.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake a few times after step 3. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and tastes almost as fresh as day one when thawed and baked again.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the bake with foil to keep moisture in, and warm it for about 15-20 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes gives you back that melty cheese crust. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells will also work. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it’s al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it’s entirely vegetarian as written, using vegetable broth and no meat. For extra protein, you could add cooked beans or top with toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this dish?

The cayenne is just a gentle kick to balance the richness of the cheese and creaminess of the orzo. You can easily reduce or omit it if you prefer no heat, or add more if you like things spicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free orzo pasta like the DeLallo brand I love, and make sure your vegetable broth is gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free too.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover your dish with foil while reheating in the oven to trap moisture and prevent drying. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry before reheating to keep the texture creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen—the kind of meal that everyone asks for again, and that genuinely delivers comfort and flavor with every bite. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, veggie-packed goodness that’s easy enough for any night and lovely enough to share. Give it a try—you won’t regret inviting this dish to your table!