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Veggie Orzo Recipe

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5 from 103 reviews

Veggie Orzo is a creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked with sautéed broccoli, shredded carrots, and garlic, all simmered in savory chicken broth and enriched with cream cheese and parmesan. It’s a perfect quick meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful, ideal for toddlers or a simple family dinner.

Ingredients

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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

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely to ensure they cook evenly and mix well into the dish.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, then add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Cook Orzo: Add orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking while the orzo absorbs most of the broth.
  4. Add Cheeses: When the orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely and the dish becomes creamy.
  5. Serve: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving, making it perfect for toddlers. It can be served on its own or accompanied by grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content if desired.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or spinach for more variety.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cheese according to preference.
  • This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.