Creamy One Pot Broccoli Orzo

$To make Creamy One Pot Broccoli Orzo, you will need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a vegan dish, use coconut cream and a vegan cheese. If you don’t have orzo, you can use another small pasta, like ditalini or small shells. For a lighter touch, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add other veggies like peas or spinach for more flavor. This creamy dish is packed with nutrients. One serving has about: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fiber: 3g - Fat: 20g These numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices. This meal is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that fuels your body. {{ingredient_image_1}} This recipe is simple and quick. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need orzo, broccoli, vegetable broth, heavy cream, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Chop your onion and mince your garlic. Cut the broccoli into small florets. This makes cooking easier. 1. Heat oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion. Cook until it’s soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until it smells good. 4. Toast orzo: Add the orzo pasta. Toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This step brings out the flavor. 5. Add broth: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a rolling boil. 6. Add broccoli: Once it boils, lower the heat. Add the broccoli florets. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cook until the orzo is soft and most liquid is gone. 7. Mix in cream: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until it is creamy. 8. Season: Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavor as you like. 9. Let it thicken: Remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve the creamy broccoli orzo warm. Top it with freshly chopped parsley for a nice look and taste. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying weeknight meal! To get the creamiest texture, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both add richness. Stir in the cheese right after the cream. This helps it melt fully. Use freshly grated cheese for the best results. It blends better than pre-grated options. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. It should be tender but not mushy. Another mistake is not to toast the orzo first. This step deepens the flavor. Adding broccoli too early can make it too soft. Wait until the orzo is close to done. Lastly, don’t skip the lemon zest. It brightens up the dish. You only need a large pot for this recipe. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well. A measuring cup is handy for the broth and cream. Use a sharp knife for chopping onion and garlic. A cutting board makes prep easier. Keep fresh parsley in a small bowl for garnish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen. If using frozen, reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness. Toasting Orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding liquid enhances its nuttiness and flavor. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning. Adjusting Creaminess: For a creamier texture, allow the orzo to sit off the heat for a few minutes after adding the cream and cheese, as it will thicken during this time. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or basil for added flavor. Fresh herbs can be added just before serving for a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream gives a rich taste without dairy. You can also use a dairy-free cheese option for added flavor. This keeps the creaminess while meeting dietary needs. Adding protein can make this meal heartier. For chicken lovers, diced cooked chicken works well. Simply stir it in with the cream. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and sauté it with the onions. This adds protein and texture to your dish. You can change the vegetables based on the season. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a fresh taste. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or kale. These swaps keep the dish exciting and nutrient-rich. Mix and match your favorite vegetables for a personal touch. To store leftover creamy broccoli orzo, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Place the orzo in the container and seal it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can freeze this dish too. First, cool the orzo completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date, so you know when you made it. To reheat, take the orzo from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to make it creamy again. Stir it well until it is warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your warm and creamy meal! Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, choose a vegan alternative to Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy. To adjust the serving size, change the amount of orzo and broth. For 2 servings, use 1/2 cup of orzo and 2 cups of broth. For 6 servings, use 1 1/2 cups of orzo and 6 cups of broth. Keep the other ingredients in proportion as well. Creamy one pot broccoli orzo pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a side salad or some grilled chicken. For a light meal, add crusty bread or garlic toast. These sides will enhance your dining experience. Orzo is not gluten-free since it is made from wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. This will keep your dish enjoyable for those with gluten sensitivities. We covered how to make a tasty creamy broccoli orzo dish. I shared ingredient lists, substitutions, and nutritional facts. You learned the steps for cooking and how to make it creamy. I gave tips to avoid common mistakes and the best tools to use. We explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple and fun, plus you can adapt it to fit your needs. Now, go create your own delicious version.$

Creamy One Pot Broccoli Orzo

A delicious and creamy one-pot dish featuring orzo pasta and broccoli, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances the flavor and gives it a nice texture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the broccoli florets. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until creamy.
Season with lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Keyword broccoli, creamy, one pot, orzo