Say goodbye to bland, boxed mac and cheese. This one-pot recipe for cheesy orzo is just as easy and made with wholesome ingredients. You’ll also love my Italian penicillin soup, lemon salmon orzo, and high protein minestrone.

Small white bowl containing cheesy one-pot orzo mac and cheese

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Boxed mac and cheese is one of the easiest weeknight dinners out there.

But what if I told you this recipe for one-pot cheesy orzo is just as easy but 100x more tasty? Made in one pot with only five ingredients, this orzo mac and cheese recipe will have the whole family smiling.

Make a no-fuss, feel-good dinner your family will love, and that you’ll feel good about serving. Scroll down to learn exactly how easy it is to make my cheesy orzo recipe.

Why you’ll love cheesy orzo

  • Made in one pot for zero fuss
  • Ready in less than 15-minutes
  • You’ll only need five ingredients to make it
  • Made with real cheese and milk for extra nutrition
  • Way tastier and creamier than boxed mac and cheese
Close-up photo of a pot with cheesy one-pot orzo, topped with extra black pepper and a sage leaf

What makes this recipe healthy?

As a Registered Dietitian, I design my recipes to maximize nutrition and ease. But we never sacrifice satisfaction.

Here’s why you can feel good about serving my orzo mac and cheese recipe:

  • Real cheese and milk offers calcium, phosphorous, and protein
  • No unwanted additives you might find in boxed mac and cheese
  • Less calories and fat than other rich mac and cheese recipes

Want to make it even healthier?

Boil your pasta with frozen peas or small broccoli florets, and add some extra broth. It’s the easiest way to add veggies and vitamins to this cheesy orzo recipe.

Ingredients in cheesy orzo

You’ll only need five easy-to-find ingredients for this orzo mac and cheese recipe, plus seasonings.

  • Orzo pasta — if you can’t find orzo, use another small pasta shape like ditalini, stelline, or small shells
  • Chicken or vegetable broth — I prefer Better Than Bouillon paste mixed with water for the best flavor
  • Milk — I use 2% cow’s milk
  • Sharp cheddar — I love Balderson aged white cheddar for this recipe
  • Butter — you could use olive oil instead
  • Salt and pepper
Ingredients for one-pot cheesy orzo displayed in small bowls on a marble counter

Swaps and additions

  • Make it gluten-free with a gluten-free pasta
  • Use a lentil or chickpea pasta for more protein and fiber
  • Omit the added salt to reduce sodium
  • Add cayenne pepper for a little spicy kick
  • Boil pasta with peas or chopped broccoli for extra nutrition
  • Top your cheesy orzo with an easy protein like rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef

How to make one-pot orzo mac and cheese

Add orzo, broth, and milk to a medium pot on the stove. Stir, and turn the heat to medium.

Milk, orzo, and broth added to a large pot, uncooked

Cook orzo uncovered for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s done when the orzo pasta is cooked al dente, and when most liquid has been absorbed. Add more broth as needed to cook the pasta properly.

Orzo cooked in milk and broth sitting in a large pot on the stove

When the pasta is done cooking, turn off the heat. Add butter, cheese, and black pepper, and stir until smooth and combined. Taste, and add salt if needed. For a saucier cheesy orzo, stir in an extra splash of broth.

Cheese and butter added to one-pot orzo mac and cheese in a large pot
One-pot orzo mac and cheese stirred and ready to serve in a large pot

Serve with additional black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!

Large pot containing orzo mac and cheese, topped with black pepper and a sage leaf

Turn it into a balanced meal

  • Boil with peas or chopped broccoli for veggies (add some extra broth if needed)
  • Stir in chopped baby spinach when the orzo is cooked
  • Top with an easy protein like rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef

Important tips

  • Keep things at a simmer. If your orzo starts boiling and bubbling, turn the heat down to medium-low.
  • Stir every few minutes. This helps prevent the milk from burning or forming a skin.
  • Adjust broth as needed. You want enough broth for your orzo to cook through, and to create a bit of cheese sauce at the end. Add an extra splash or two as needed.
  • Use a very flavorful cheese. I like aged white cheddar for this recipe because it brings the most flavor. I also recommend grating your cheese fresh (instead of buying pre-grated) because it melts better.

Common questions

How many people does this serve?

This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on how hungry you are!

Is orzo healthier than other types of pasta?

Orzo is made of wheat flour, just like any other pasta. It contains energizing carbs, and some protein and fiber. It is delicious and can definitely be part of a balanced diet, but it’s not healthier than other types or shapes of pasta. For a more nutrient-dense pasta option, choose whole wheat, chickpea pasta, or lentil pasta.

What’s the best way to re-heat leftovers?

This recipe is best served fresh, as it will dry out in the fridge. For best results, re-heat with a few tablespoons of broth and stir occasionally until warmed through.

Can I freeze cheesy orzo?

Yes, you can freeze cheesy orzo but it won’t keep the same velvety texture when it re-heats. I recommend eating cheesy orzo fresh when you can. Don’t forget, it only takes about 15-minutes to make!

Overhead photo of a bowl with cheese orzo, topped with sliced parmesan and a sage leaf

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Did you try this recipe?

Leave your rating and review below! And don’t forget to post a picture to Instagram, and tag me @real.life.nutritionist.

Small white bowl containing cheesy one-pot orzo mac and cheese
5 from 1 vote

One-Pot Cheesy Orzo

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Say goodbye to bland boxed mac and cheese. This one-pot recipe for cheesy orzo is just as easy and made with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk, I use 2%
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, I use white cheddar
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • black pepper, to taste
  • salt (optional), to taste

Equipment

  • medium pot

Instructions
 

  • Add orzo, broth, and milk to a medium pot on the stove. Stir, and turn the heat to medium.
  • Cook orzo uncovered for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It's done when the orzo pasta is cooked al dente, and when most liquid has been absorbed. Add more broth as needed to cook the pasta properly.
  • When the pasta is done cooking, turn off the heat. Add butter, cheese, and black pepper, and stir until smooth and combined. Taste, and add salt if needed. For a saucier cheesy orzo, stir in an extra splash of broth.
  • Serve with additional black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!
Calories: 328kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 255mg, Potassium: 261mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 469IU, Calcium: 286mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish