In a large kettle, bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo and minced garlic, cooking until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop the broccoli and crumble the cotija cheese. If you have the ability, steam the broccoli. If you can’t steam it, toss it in with the pasta for the last 2 minutes of the pasta cook time, but remove some pasta water prior.
Drain pasta and return it to the kettle. Add ½ cup of cotija cheese and broccoli if you have not already. Stir to combine, adding pepper. (Salt should be minimally needed between the salted water and the salty cotija cheese so taste prior to adding).
Top with reserved cotija cheese and additional black pepper before serving.
Keyword broccoli, broccoli pasta, cotija, cotija pasta, orzo, orzo salad, pasta dish, pasta side, side dishes