LIMITED TIME: Get a FREE cookbooklet with orders $100+!

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
PT6M PT15M

Prep Time

6 mins

Cook Time

15-16 mins
7 reviews

Free Time

to read an interesting article online

Need help?

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

7 reviews
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

">

This one-pot microwave meal comes together in less than 15 minutes, start to finish! Orzo pasta, broccoli, and mushrooms all cook together in one dish in the microwave, finished with a little cream and a lot of cheese cheese. This quick, easy meal is also endlessly customizable; just pair it with your choice of chicken, fish, tofu, or any other favorite protein.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Recommended Products

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
  • 1-2
  • 2-4
  • 4-6
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup (90g) orzo pasta
  • ½ cup (30g) roughly chopped mushrooms
  • 1½ cups (95g) broccoli florets, frozen or fresh and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable stock
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic or onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, or coconut milk
  • ½ cup (45g) shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients in the Anyday, except the cream and cheese, and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook at Power Level 7
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 13-14 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through.
  3. Add the cream and cheese, cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.

Suggestions

  • Add crispy breadcrumbs: Top with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs before baking for a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole.
  • Make it heartier: Add some shredded chicken for a protein-packed, filling meal that complements the creamy casserole.
  • Try a smoky twist: Try it with smoked gouda for an extra layer of delicious smokiness and richness.
  • Swap the pasta: If orzo is not available, try it with any other small pasta such as ditalini for a similar texture and satisfying bite.

Recipe Notes

  • This recipe can be made up to 4 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated with the lid on and knob in close position, then reheat as needed.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Cheesy Broccoli Orzo in the Microwave

What is Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

Cheese Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, one-dish meal made with tender orzo pasta, fresh or frozen broccoli, mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect as a side or main course. Cooking it in an Anyday dish makes it quick and easy without needing to boil water separately.

Can I cook Cheese Broccoli Orzo in the microwave?

Yes, you can! Cooking Cheese Broccoli Orzo in the microwave using an Anyday dish is quick and simple. The Anyday dish traps steam, allowing the orzo to absorb liquid like it would on the stovetop while keeping the broccoli tender-crisp. No need for multiple pots or pre-boiling water.

What’s the difference between orzo and rice?

Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a type of small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. Unlike rice, orzo cooks faster and has a more tender, pasta-like texture, making it ideal for quick, one-dish meals like this Cheese Broccoli Orzo.

Do I need to pre-cook the orzo before making Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

Nope! One of the biggest perks of this method is that there’s no need to pre-cook the orzo. Simply add the uncooked orzo, liquid, and seasonings directly into the Anyday dish, and the microwave will do all the work. The dish locks in moisture, allowing the orzo to cook perfectly without any extra hassle.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. Fresh broccoli will cook slightly faster than frozen, but both work perfectly. There’s no need to thaw frozen broccoli beforehand—just add it straight to the Anyday dish.

How do I store leftover Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

Once cooled, cover the Anyday dish with its lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This method keeps the pasta fresh and ready to reheat whenever you’re hungry.

Can I freeze Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

Yes, Cheese Broccoli Orzo freezes well. Portion it into our Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick and cozy meal.

What’s the best way to reheat Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

To reheat from the fridge, place the orzo in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If reheating from frozen, place the frozen portion in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes, stirring as needed. For more tips on reheating, check out our freezing and reheating blog.

Can I add protein to Cheese Broccoli Orzo?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cooked shrimp, or sausage to make it a heartier main dish. Stir the protein in at the end so it stays juicy and tender.

Want more easy recipes?

More easy recipes

What Customers Are Saying

© 2025 Anyday Meyer Corporation, U.S. 2023. 
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa