facebook Orzo & Broccoli Mac & Cheese - Catelli Pasta Recipes

Orzo & Broccoli Mac & Cheese

This cheesy, creamy dish is a great adaptable recipe – you can add your favourite extras, such as caramelized onions or other vegetables.
Comfort Food
Family Friendly
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Quick & Easy
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Prep time
icon-clock-110 Min
Cook time
icon-cooking-125 Min
Serves
icon-servings-16
Orzo & Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Catelli Classic Orzo

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg (454 g) Catelli Orzo Pasta
  • 4 cups (1 L) small broccoli florets
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, divided
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (1 L) milk
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) shredded aged Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped chives

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Cook orzo according to package directions, adding broccoli in the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup (125 mL) cooking liquid.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter in a large high-sided skillet; cook onion for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Sprinkle flour over top; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in milk; bring to boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes or until thickened slightly. Stir in mustard, paprika, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Stir in 2 cups (500 mL) Cheddar, and Parmesan until cheese melts. Stir in pasta and cooking liquid.

Step 5

Transfer to prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining Cheddar. In small skillet, melt remaining butter; toss with panko. Sprinkle over pasta.

Step 6

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives.