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Veggie Orzo Recipe

Veggie Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

A creamy and comforting Veggie Orzo packed with tender broccoli, finely shredded carrots, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and parmesan. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light main course, providing a perfect balance of vegetables and comforting pasta.

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

Cheeses

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and finely shred the carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly with the orzo.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: 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 release their aroma.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid by the end of cooking.
  4. Add the Cheeses: Once the orzo is tender and the broth has been mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses completely melt and the mixture becomes creamy.
  5. Serve: Let the Veggie Orzo cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed as a standalone comforting dish or paired with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium levels.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Fresh parmesan cheese yields better melting and richer flavor.
  • If cream cheese is unavailable, substitute with ricotta or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: veggie orzo, creamy orzo recipe, vegetable pasta dish, easy dinner recipe, broccoli carrot orzo, one pot meal

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/veggie-orzo-recipe/