One Pan Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
on Sep 07, 2024
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Looking for a simple yet wholesome meal that your toddler will love? 1-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is the perfect solution! This one-dish wonder combines creamy orzo, nutritious broccoli, and savory cheese in a way that’s both satisfying and toddler-friendly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy families.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 2 broccoli heads, chopped (or as much as you like)
- Sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
- 5.3 oz Boursin cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a 9×13 baking dish, add the orzo, chicken broth, cream or milk, chopped broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and Boursin.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the mixture to ensure the orzo and broccoli cook evenly. Continue baking until the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Mix: Once everything is done, mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving it to your family. You can garnish with a little extra cheese or chopped herbs if desired.
Why This Recipe is Great for Toddlers and Families:
- Nutritious and Balanced: This recipe combines protein, healthy fats, and fiber in one dish. The broccoli provides essential vitamins like vitamin C, while the orzo and chicken broth offer protein and carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s a great way to get some greens into your toddler’s diet without making them feel like they’re eating “veggies.”
- Creamy and Toddler-Friendly: The soft, creamy texture of the orzo and cheese makes it easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy. The mild flavors are perfect for picky eaters, and the richness from the Boursin cheese adds a little something extra without being overwhelming.
- One-Pan Meal: This dish is a busy parent’s dream! You just toss everything into one pan, bake it, and you’re done. With minimal dishes to wash and no complicated steps, it’s an easy recipe to whip up during the week.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe based on your family’s preferences. Swap out the Boursin for another soft cheese, like cream cheese or goat cheese. You can also add other vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, or peas, to make it even more nutritious.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
- Freezer: If you’d like to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
One Pan Cheesy Broccoli Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream, or milk
- 2 heads chopped broccoli, or however much you want
- sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 5.3 oz Boursin cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a 9×13 baking dish, add the orzo, chicken broth, cream or milk, chopped broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and Boursin.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the mixture to ensure the orzo and broccoli cook evenly. Continue baking until the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the orzo is done, remove the dish from the oven and stir it all together.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly and serve!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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