Veggie Orzo
on Dec 31, 2024
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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and veggie-packed meal that your toddler will adore, this Veggie Orzo is a must-try! With tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a creamy cheesy finish, it’s a fantastic way to get your little one excited about eating vegetables. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze for busy parents.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (chopped small)
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies:
- Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely to ensure they cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
- 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 for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the chicken broth by the time it’s done cooking.
- Add the Creaminess:
- Once the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the dish is creamy.
- Serve:
- Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving to your toddler. It’s delicious as is, or you can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Why This Recipe is Great for Toddlers and Families
- Veggie Boost:
- Broccoli and carrots provide a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber in a toddler-friendly texture and flavor.
- Creamy Comfort:
- The cream cheese and parmesan create a smooth, cheesy sauce that toddlers love.
- Quick and Simple:
- This one-pot recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable:
- Swap in other vegetables like peas or zucchini.
- Family-Friendly:
- It’s a dish everyone can enjoy, so no need to prepare separate meals for kids and adults.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator:
Store leftover Veggie Orzo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency. - Freezer:
Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Veggie Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then bring the heat to medium-high and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the chicken broth by the time it’s done cooking.
- Once the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the dish is creamy.
- Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving to your toddler. It’s delicious as is, or you can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @reallittlemeals or tag #reallittlemeals!
Very flavorful and easy to make! We’ve been sick and this just hit the spot!
Quick, easy, and delicious! It was a hit!