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; 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 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); zest of 1/2 a lemon; 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· 4.6 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and veggies, you’re going to love this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — creamy, cheesy, with just enough bite from the broccoli and a touch of brightness from lemon zest. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it turns out perfectly gooey without being heavy. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a regular in your weeknight rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

All-in-One Skillet Convenience: You cook the orzo and veggies together for less cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
Balanced Cheesy Goodness: Sharp cheddar and tangy asiago create a rich, complex cheese profile that’s anything but boring.
Bright and Earthy Notes: Lemon zest and fresh thyme elevate the dish, keeping it fresh and never too heavy.
Customizable Ingredients: Easy to swap in gluten-free or vegan alternatives so everyone at the table is happy.

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake, Broccoli orzo casserole, cheesy baked pasta with broccoli, easy broccoli and cheese bake, creamy vegetable pasta bake - 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

This Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe blends simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role — whether it’s building the base, adding creaminess, or layering in the brightness these kinds of casseroles need.

Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the cheese.
Yellow onion: Sweetness from slow-cooked onions brings depth and rounds out the sharpness of the cheese.
Mushrooms: Adds earthy umami notes that boost overall flavor without overpowering the broccoli.
Salted butter: Adds richness to the orzo as it toasts, plus the salt enhances every flavor.
Dry orzo pasta: The star carb of the dish; its rice-like shape makes it perfect for baking and soaking up cheesy goodness.
Fresh thyme leaves: Infuse a mild herbal aroma that brightens the whole dish.
Low sodium vegetable broth: Cooks the orzo, locking in flavor without making it too salty.
Dry white wine: Gives a subtle acidity and complexity — if you’re skipping it, use extra broth and a sprinkle of lemon juice.
Broccoli florets: The vibrant veggie adds color, crunch, and a dose of green goodness.
Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with earthy warmth during cooking, which you’ll want to fish out before baking.
Garlic powder: An easy way to get garlicky flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
Cayenne pepper: Adds just a touch of heat to balance the richness; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Lemon zest: Essential for that fresh pop that cuts through the creaminess.
Whole milk or canned coconut milk: Makes the bake luxuriously creamy; coconut milk adds a subtle twist if you want to try something dairy-free.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The main cheesy component, delivering melty, tangy goodness.
Asiago or manchego cheese: Adds a nutty, slightly piquant layer to the cheese blend — a little goes a long way!
Fresh basil: Perfect fresh herb for garnishing, adding a punch of flavor and color.

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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.

Make It Your Way

This Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe is so flexible — I love swapping ingredients depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family prefers. You should totally experiment too. The best recipes are the ones that build off your tastes!

Variation: I sometimes switch out broccoli for asparagus or green beans when in season — same prep, slightly different texture, and just as delicious.
Dairy-Free: Using canned coconut milk and a plant-based cheese you like makes it creamy and safe for dairy-free friends.
Gluten-Free: I recommend DeLallo’s gluten-free orzo; it holds up well with this baking method and tastes great.
Extra Protein: Toss in cooked shredded chicken or crispy tofu cubes for a more substantial meal.

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

Step 1: Sauté and Toast the Veggies and Orzo

Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. When you see it shimmer, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook gently — about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then, add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to draw out their moisture and deepen flavor, cooking another 2-3 minutes. Next, add the butter, orzo, fresh thyme, and broccoli. Stir frequently as the orzo gets toasted and golden — this takes around 5 minutes and adds a subtle nutty flavor you don’t want to skip!

Step 2: Simmer Orzo in Wine and Broth

Pour in the white wine, vegetable broth, throw in the bay leaf, garlic powder, cayenne, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a lively simmer, and let it cook uncovered, stirring often for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is just al dente. This is the moment your kitchen smells incredible — be sure to check the texture so it’s tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Mix in Creamy and Cheesy Goodness

Remove the bay leaf, then fold in lemon zest, milk (or your choice of coconut milk), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. If your pot isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mix to a casserole dish. Top the entire surface with the remaining cheddar and asiago (or manchego). This layering guarantees a golden, melty crust once baked.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Pop the dish into a 425°F oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until all the cheese is melted and bubbling. Then, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to get those irresistible crispy cheese edges you’re going to dream about. Keep a close eye here – broilers can go from perfect to burnt in a flash.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Choosing Your Orzo: Pick a quality orzo that holds up well to simmering; I swear by DeLallo gluten-free when needed — no soggy mess here!
Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting the orzo with butter and veggies adds a depth of flavor that transforms the whole dish.
Broil with Caution: Watch your dish closely when broiling — the cheese melts fast and you want golden crispness, not ashes.
Lemon Zest Last Minute: Add lemon zest right before baking to keep the freshness vibrant and not cooked off.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of thyme right before serving — the herbs add a pop of green and a fresh aroma that contrast beautifully with the cheesy richness. Sometimes a quick drizzle of good olive oil just before serving elevates it even more.

Side Dishes

Personally, I enjoy pairing this with a crisp side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy casserole. Garlic roasted chicken or simply steamed green beans also complement it nicely if you want a protein boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe in individual ramekins — it’s charming, portion-controlled, and everyone loves a personal touch. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, I find gently reheating in the oven keeps the cheesy top from getting too rubbery — microwave’s fine for a quick lunch, but the oven method gives better texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake after step 3 (before baking). I let it cool, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit for 2-3 hours at room temp, then bake as usual — it reheats beautifully without losing texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, then uncover for a few minutes to crisp up the top again. This keeps it from drying out and maintains that melty, homemade feel you want.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan margarine or olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, and replace the cheeses with your favorite vegan cheese shreds. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
What can I substitute for white wine?

If you don’t have wine or prefer not to use it, replace it with additional vegetable broth and add a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This keeps the flavor bright without changing the dish too much.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Stir frequently during the simmer to prevent sticking and overcooking. Also, keep an eye on the liquid amount and cooking time; orzo should be just al dente before you add the cheese and bake. The bake step finishes cooking gently.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Definitely! Vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach folded in at the end work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time to make sure everything is tender before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Orzo Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s comforting but fresh, cheesy but not overpowering, and makes enough to feed a crowd — or to have plenty of leftovers for days. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask me for the recipe after tasting it. So, roll up your sleeves and dive in — I promise it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask for seconds.