Veggie Orzo

Why Veggie Orzo is Great for Toddlers and Families

Veggie Boost: This cheesy orzo is packed with hidden vegetables like broccoli and carrots, giving your toddler a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and other key nutrients. The finely chopped or grated veggies blend seamlessly into the dish, creating a soft texture and mild flavor that picky eaters won’t mind.

Creamy Comfort: A mix of cream cheese and parmesan melts into the orzo, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that feels like comfort food but is still full of nourishing ingredients. It’s creamy without being heavy—perfect for little ones who love rich, familiar flavors.

Quick and Simple: This easy one-pot recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and toddler-approved on the table.

Customizable: Easily make this dish your own by swapping in other soft, quick-cooking vegetables like peas, zucchini, or spinach. You can even stir in cooked chicken, beans, or extra cheese to boost the protein.

Family-Friendly: This isn’t just toddler food—it’s a well-rounded meal that the whole family can enjoy. No need to cook separate dinners; serve it as a main for kids and a comforting side for adults.

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

How to Make this Simple Veggie Orzo

1. 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.
2. 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.
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 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.
4. 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.
5. Serve:
   • Allow the veggie pasta 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.

Substitutions

Orzo: If you don’t have orzo on hand, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini, pastina, or couscous. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo or quinoa.

Vegetables: This dish is super flexible—swap in whatever veggies your child enjoys! Zucchini, spinach, sweet corn, or finely chopped broccoli all work well.

Cheese: Parmesan adds savory flavor, but you can use mozzarella, shredded cheddar, or even a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Broth: For extra flavor, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Water works in a pinch, but you may want to add a pinch of salt or a seasoning blend for taste.

Butter: Use olive oil or avocado oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version, or skip entirely for an ultra-light dish.

Storing Leftover Veggie Orzo

Store leftover 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. For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Common Questions

Is orzo safe for babies and toddlers?

• Yes, orzo is a great pasta choice for younger eaters because of its small size and soft texture. Just be sure to cook until tender and chop or mash any larger veggie pieces for little ones.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

• Absolutely! Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, ground beef, or even white beans or lentils to turn this into a more filling toddler dinner.

How can I make it dairy-free without cheese?

• You can stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a splash of plant-based milk for creaminess without dairy or cheese.

Can this healthy veggie orzo be made gluten-free?

• Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular orzo with a certified gluten-free orzo brand or using small gluten-free pasta like quinoa, rice, or gluten-free couscous. Just be sure to check all other ingredient labels—like broth and cheese—to ensure they’re also certified gluten-free.

More Easy Recipes with Hidden Veggies

Creamy Pesto Pasta – A smooth and flavorful blend of pesto and cream tossed with pasta for a kid-friendly twist on a classic. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with hidden greens.

Oven-Baked Spaghetti – This cozy, hands-off pasta bake combines spaghetti, sauce, and cheese into a bubbly, baked meal the whole family will love.

Creamy Spinach Pasta – A veggie-packed pasta dish with a light, creamy sauce and tender spinach, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for toddlers and grown-ups alike.

Feta Orzo Bake – A one-dish, oven-baked meal featuring orzo, crumbled feta, and roasted tomato. Simple, flavorful, and great for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Flaky pastry rolled with melty cheese and finely chopped broccoli. A fun, handheld snack or lunch that’s perfect for toddlers and easy to pack.