Veggie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Veggie Orzo is a comforting and creamy pasta dish packed with nutritious vegetables. It’s an easy-to-make meal that combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed broccoli and carrots, finished with creamy cheese for a rich, satisfying flavor.

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 chopped broccoli, shredded 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 heat to medium-high and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth; add more broth if needed to finish cooking the pasta.
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 melt fully and the dish becomes creamy.
5. Step 5: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving. It’s perfect on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for a subtle heat.
• Swap broccoli and carrots for other vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini to change things up.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier and lighter creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover Veggie Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as different pastas vary in cooking duration.

Is this dish suitable for toddlers?

Absolutely. The soft texture and mild flavors make it toddler-friendly, but allow it to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Veggie Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Veggie Orzo is a creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring tender orzo, sautéed broccoli and shredded carrots, all brought together with a blend of cream cheese and parmesan. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for a nutritious toddler-friendly meal or a simple side to pair with grilled proteins.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

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

Pantry

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth

Dairy

• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and finely shred the carrots to ensure even cooking and a pleasing texture for toddlers.
2. Sauté Vegetables: 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 and become fragrant, which helps develop flavor and soften the veggies.
3. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Add extra broth if needed to ensure the orzo finishes cooking without drying out.
4. Add Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese once the orzo is tender. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy texture that binds the dish together.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving, especially if serving to toddlers. The dish can also be paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein, making it a versatile meal option.

Notes

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Add freshly cracked black pepper or herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• The recipe can be doubled for meal prep and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
• For a vegan variation, replace cream cheese and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
• Ensure the dish is cooled appropriately before serving to toddlers to avoid burns.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: veggie orzo, creamy orzo, toddler recipe, broccoli and carrot pasta, easy stovetop dinner, creamy vegetable pasta