Description
A creamy and kid-friendly Veggie Orzo recipe packed with broccoli, carrots, and cheesy goodness. This comforting dish is perfect for toddlers and easy to prepare on the stovetop, combining tender orzo pasta with healthy vegetables and a rich blend of cream cheese and parmesan.
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 finely shred the carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the orzo.
- Sauté 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 and release their aroma, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
- 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 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the chicken broth.
- Add cheeses and stir: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheeses melt completely and the dish becomes creamy and rich in texture.
- Serve: Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving, making it suitable for toddlers. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, although this version includes chicken broth as per the original recipe.
- Ensure the orzo is cooked until tender to create a soft texture suitable for kids.
- Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables like peas or zucchini for variety.
- Adjust cheese quantities based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- For a dairy-free version, omit cream cheese and parmesan or use plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: veggie orzo, kid-friendly orzo, creamy orzo with vegetables, toddler meals, easy stovetop dinner, broccoli orzo, cheesy orzo
