Description
Creamy Orzo with Parmesan and Broccoli is a quick and tasty dinner option combining tender orzo and fresh broccoli in a luscious Parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat optional
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until you can smell its aroma.
- Mix in the orzo to coat it thoroughly with the olive oil and garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Toss in the broccoli florets, then lower the heat to let the mixture simmer.
- Stir occasionally as you cook the orzo and broccoli for roughly ten minutes until the pasta softens and most broth is absorbed.
- Blend in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Continue cooking for five more minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts smoothly.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp to make this dish more hearty
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 120kcal