Veggie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Veggie Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and delicate orzo pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, offering a delightful way to enjoy veggies in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely.
2. Step 2: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-high heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth by the time it’s done.
4. Step 4: Once the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the dish becomes creamy.
5. Step 5: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Tips & Variations

• Finely chop or shred vegetables to create a smooth texture, especially if serving to toddlers.
• Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, beans, or extra cheese to make it a more filling meal.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast.
• To make it gluten-free, swap orzo for certified gluten-free orzo, quinoa, or small gluten-free pasta shapes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well as a substitute and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking while cooking?

Stir the orzo occasionally during cooking and keep the heat at medium-high after boiling to ensure even absorption of the broth and prevent sticking.

Veggie Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

This creamy and comforting Veggie Orzo recipe is a perfect meal packed with tender orzo pasta, sautéed broccoli, and shredded carrots, all combined with rich cream cheese and parmesan. It’s ideal for toddlers or anyone looking for a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be quickly made on the stovetop. Easily adaptable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets, this wholesome meal can be served as is or paired with your choice of protein for a complete dinner.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
• 2 tsp garlic, minced

Pantry & Dairy

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and finely shred the carrots to ensure they cook quickly and blend well with the orzo.
2. Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
3. Cook Orzo: Add orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth; add more broth if needed to finish cooking.
4. Add Cheese: When the orzo is tender and the broth mostly absorbed, stir in cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses are fully melted and the dish is creamy.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving, especially if serving to toddlers. This dish is delicious on its own or great when paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Notes

• Chop veggies small: Finely chop or shred vegetables to achieve a toddler-friendly texture that blends smoothly with the orzo.
• Make it a full meal: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, beans, or extra cheese to increase protein and make the dish more filling.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cream cheese and skip or substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-free substitution: Replace orzo with certified gluten-free orzo, quinoa, or small gluten-free pasta shapes.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: Veggie Orzo, toddler meal, creamy pasta, broccoli recipe, carrot recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, quick meal, stovetop pasta, gluten-free option, dairy-free option