Name: Creamy Orzo With Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon butter or cream (for extra creaminess); Zest of ½ lemon (for brightness); Chili flakes or crushed red pepper (for a little heat)

Spread the love

Why You’ll Love This Orzo With Broccoli Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes
One-pot meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience
Kid-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and broccoli-filled
Healthy & filling: Packed with fiber and nutrients
Customizable: Add protein or make it vegan-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this orzo with broccoli, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional:

Lemon zest
Chili flakes
Cream or butter for richness

PIN IT

How to Make Orzo With Broccoli (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes. This gives the pasta a nutty flavor and prevents sticking.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cook

Pour in the broth and stir. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

When the orzo is halfway cooked (about 5 minutes in), stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and let it steam with the orzo for the remaining time.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once the orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the parmesan cheese. For a richer version, you can also add a splash of cream or a pat of butter.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, or chili flakes to taste. Serve warm and garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Creamy Orzo With Broccoli Recipe: A Quick & Flavorful One-Pot Meal

PIN IT

Tips for the Perfect Orzo With Broccoli

Use fresh broccoli for better texture, but frozen works in a pinch
Don’t overcook the orzo—it should be tender but not mushy
Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan

Advertisements
Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is more than just tasty—it’s also nourishing:

Broccoli is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants
Orzo offers carbs for energy and can be made with whole wheat for added fiber
Olive oil and garlic provide healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties
Parmesan adds calcium and protein while enhancing flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette
Pair it with garlic bread or a slice of sourdough
Top with grilled chicken or baked salmon for extra protein

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is orzo?
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta made from semolina. It cooks quickly and is great for soups, salads, or creamy dishes like this.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Add it a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure it softens properly.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian if made with vegetable broth and without meat. For vegan, use plant-based cheese or skip it.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well and can be meal-prepped for the week.

5. How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Stir frequently, especially during the first few minutes of cooking, and make sure there’s enough liquid.

6. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even canned beans pair well with orzo and broccoli.

7. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Parmesan is classic, but you can also use pecorino, mozzarella, or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free orzo to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

9. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a bit of cream cheese at the end.

10. What herbs go well with this?
Basil, thyme, parsley, or oregano can all enhance the flavor.

11. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions.

12. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild, cheesy, and packed with hidden veggies, making it a kid-friendly option.

13. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, but cooking time should be adjusted—generally around 4 minutes on pressure cook.

14. What type of broth should I use?
Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version; chicken broth for deeper flavor.

15. What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and only zest the yellow part (not the bitter white pith).

Final Thoughts

This orzo with broccoli recipe is one of those simple meals that never gets old. It’s creamy, comforting, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Plus, with minimal ingredients and cleanup, it’s ideal for anyone looking to cook smarter, not harder.

Ready to try it yourself? Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious foods inspirations!

Creamy Orzo With Broccoli Recipe

This creamy orzo with broccoli is a one-pot wonder that brings comfort and freshness together in one delicious bite. Tender orzo pasta is simmered with garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth, then mixed with bright green broccoli and finished with a rich, cheesy touch of parmesan. It's a satisfying, wholesome meal ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and health-conscious food lovers alike. Whether served solo or paired with protein, this dish is guaranteed to please.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, One-pot Meal

Cuisine Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
2 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

1 tablespoon butter or cream for extra creaminess
Zest of ½ lemon for brightness
Chili flakes or crushed red pepper for a little heat

Instructions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Toast the orzo: Add the orzo and stir for 1–2 minutes, letting it lightly toast for a nuttier flavor.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and let the orzo cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broccoli: Around the 5-minute mark, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan and allow the broccoli to steam and soften while the orzo finishes cooking.
Stir in cheese and finish: Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the parmesan cheese. If using, add butter or cream for extra richness, lemon zest for brightness, and chili flakes for a hint of spice.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or herbs if desired.