Indulge in these crispy Doritos, filled with a creamy blend of cheese and bacon for the perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness. A must-try for parties or cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy one-pan meal
- Creamy and cheesy comfort food
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great as a side or main dish
- Customizable with different vegetables and proteins
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it gets well-coated with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet, stir to combine, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese.
- Lemon Twist: Add fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Stir frequently while cooking and add a little extra broth if needed.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free orzo or rice for a similar texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Milk, half-and-half, or unsweetened coconut milk are good alternatives.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sausage make great additions.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce may thicken as it sits. Add a little broth when reheating.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese without animal rennet.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
Try adding lemon zest, fresh herbs, or a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but add it a few minutes later to prevent overcooking.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a comforting main dish or a side, this creamy pasta is sure to be a hit. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just 30 minutes!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these crispy Doritos, filled with a creamy blend of cheese and bacon for the perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness. A must-try for parties or cravings!
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it gets well-coated with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet, stir to combine, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Boost the Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. If using chicken, cook it first in the pan before adding the orzo, then set it aside and mix it back in at the end.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper umami taste, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine when adding the broth. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten up the dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired