Orzo Mac and Cheese

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5 from 16 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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This Orzo Mac and Cheese is an easy and fun way to make when you want a side dish that is packed with delicious flavor.

Quick and easy and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It is also very adaptable and delicious.

A plate with the orzo mac and cheese on it.

Orzo mac and cheese is the best side dish because it can be adapted to make any meal special. You can add seafood, fresh herbs or any other leftovers that you may have on hand to make a complete meal.

If you’re looking for more pasta recipes, try these Bacon Pasta Ranch Salad , Summer Spaghetti Salad and Chicken Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese.

A side view of the cheesy dish.

Why We Love This Pasta Recipe

What is the difference between orzo and rice? Orzo is a pasta that cooks quickly, and is a wonderful addition to soups and salads or in this case, Mac and cheese.

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  • 30 Minute Side: This lovely orzo mac and cheese side takes on a few minutes to make which makes it perfect for any busy night.
  • Easy Ingredients: Only 6 ingredient to make this meal.
  • Family Friendly: Of course, it is great for kids of all ages because of its petite size.
  • Adaptable: Can make it with different vegetables or different meats.

Ingredient Notes for this Orzo Rice Recipe

Orzo, cheese, butter broth and seasoning for the dish.
  • Orzo: This rice like pasta is perfect for quick delicious orzo mac and cheese meals.
  • Butter: You can use butter with salt or unsalted.
  • Chicken Broth: This broth really enhances the flavor of the finished mac and cheese.
  • Velveeta: This cheese melts beautifully and makes a creamy consistency to the side.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions for Cheesy Orzo

Creamy, cheesy and perfect for any meal that you like. It is great with beef, pork, chicken or fish or if you prefer you can make it a meatless meal.

  • Cheese: Any good melting cheese such as gruyere, cheddar etc.
  • Vegetables: Add your favorites such as mushrooms, broccoli, garlic or asparagus.
  • Instant Pot: It is easy to make this recipe in the instant pot. Brown the orzo on saute mode, then cook on high for five minutes, quick release and then add the cheese.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Orzo

Make this orzo in cheese sauce any time you wish to enhance a simple meal.

These are the basic steps for making creamy orzo mac and cheese recipe. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Toasting the orzo and adding the broth.

Step 1: Saute

First, in a small saucepan combine the orzo and butter. Then melt the butter and stir regularly, lightly toasting the orzo.

Step 2: Broth

Next, pour in the broth.  Then heat over low heat, stirring regularly, until all of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Cheese

Finally, stir in the cheese until melted. Lastly, season with salt and pepper.

Adding the cheese to the orzo and finishing the dish.

Recipe FAQs for Creamy Orzo 

Of course, you can use low fat or fat free cheese. Also try using Whole Wheat Orzo or Tri-color Orzo.

Yes, you can use any spices that you like to enhance this side dish. All Purpose Seasoning, Slap your Mama or whatever your family enjoys.

Yes, you can use a half order or double for even more people.

Indeed this recipe is very versatile and you can make it ahead of time and reheat it many different ways. Stovetop or microwave both work, it may be a little dry so you might need to add some more broth, water or milk.

you can keep the cheese orzo in the fridge for three to five days. It can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container in the freezer.

A top view of the finished dish.

Expert Tips for Making This Simple Orzo Side Recipe

  • Add Meat: Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken to the orzo mac and cheese recipe.
  • Vegetarian: Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth in this recipe.
  • Alternate ingredient: Peas, asparagus, tomatoes or whatever you like.

What to Serve with Orzo Mac and Cheese

A plate with the orzo mac and cheese on it.
5 from 16 votes

Orzo Mac and Cheese

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
This Orzo Mac and Cheese is an easy and fun way to make when you want a side dish that is packed with delicious flavor.
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Orzo
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 ¾ cup Chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 4 ounces Velveeta, cubed
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan combine the orzo and butter. Melt the butter and stir regularly, lightly toasting the orzo.
  • Pour in the broth. Heat over low heat, stirring regularly, until all of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Expert Tips

 
  • Add Meat: Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken to the recipe.
  • Vegetarian: Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth in this recipe.
  • Alternate ingredient: Peas, asparagus, tomatoes or whatever you like.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1159mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Author: Christina Hitchcock
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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