Veggie Orzo with Broccoli, Carrots, and Cream Cheese Recipe
A creamy and comforting Veggie Orzo recipe featuring tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and a cheesy blend of cream cheese and parmesan. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light vegetarian main, this dish cooks up quickly on the stovetop and is flavorful enough to pair well with your favorite protein.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
Main 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 finely shred the carrots to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant, building a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat slightly and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the orzo to absorb the broth and become tender.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Once the orzo is cooked and most of the broth is absorbed, reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy and rich texture.
- Serve: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier version and to control salt levels.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can add other vegetables such as peas or zucchini for variety.
- If cream cheese is not available, substitute with mascarpone or a mild soft cheese.
- Adjust cooking time if substituting orzo with another small pasta.
Keywords: Veggie Orzo, creamy pasta, broccoli pasta, easy stovetop recipe, vegetarian pasta, kid-friendly dinner
