Veggie Orzo Recipe
A creamy and comforting Veggie Orzo made with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, garlic, and cheesy goodness. This simple stovetop recipe combines sautéed vegetables with orzo pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth, finished with cream cheese and parmesan for a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious toddler-friendly lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely to ensure even cooking and easy eating for toddlers.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the broth; add more broth if needed to ensure the pasta finishes cooking evenly.
- Add Cheeses: Once the orzo is tender and broth mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt and the dish becomes creamy.
- Serve: Let the Veggie Orzo cool slightly before serving, making it safe and enjoyable for toddlers. Optionally, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
- Ensure the orzo is cooked until tender but not mushy to maintain texture balance.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a heartier meal.
Keywords: Veggie Orzo, creamy orzo, easy dinner, toddler-friendly recipe, sautéed vegetables, quick pasta dish, one-pot meal
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/veggie-orzo-recipe/
