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.
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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.
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.
- 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: 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.
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.
Recipe FAQs for Creamy Orzo
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
- Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Sauce
- Breaded Baked Pork Chops
- Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Orzo Mac and Cheese
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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.
Christina’s Notes
- 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.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
I keep trying to click on the Parm Orzo and the links are bringing me here?
SAME! I’m so upset that recipe is gone!
I’m not sure why that post disappeared but here it is! Easy Parmesan Orzo: https://www.itisakeeper.com/2407/2407/
I’m not sure what happened to the Parmesan Orzo recipe, but here’s the link: https://www.itisakeeper.com/2407/2407/
Sounds amazingly delicious!