Description
A creamy and comforting Veggie Orzo dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with sautéed broccoli, shredded carrots, garlic, and enriched with cream cheese and parmesan for a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
Pasta & Broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
Cheeses
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces and finely shred the carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the orzo.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high and let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth; add more broth if necessary to finish cooking.
- Add Cheeses: Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheeses have melted and the dish is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Let the Veggie Orzo cool slightly before serving. It works perfectly on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium content.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adding freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: veggie orzo, creamy orzo, broccoli orzo, vegetable pasta, easy dinner, quick stovetop pasta
