Orzo and Broccoli
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and comforting Orzo and Broccoli recipe, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. This quick and easy dish combines tender orzo pasta with steamed broccoli, sautéed garlic, and a refreshing hint of lemon juice, all tossed together in a savory olive oil base. Finished with a generous serving of melted parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this one-pan wonder is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or a satisfying side dish for any meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it a must-try for pasta and veggie lovers alike. Perfect as a vegetarian meal or customizable with your favorite proteins, this recipe is a flavorful way to elevate your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 units garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
Instructions
Bring 3 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of orzo pasta to the boiling liquid. Cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the orzo and set aside.
While the orzo cooks, steam the broccoli florets. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and place 2 cups of broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the simmering water. Cover and steam the broccoli for 5-6 minutes, or until tender but bright green. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince 2 garlic cloves and add them to the hot oil. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cooked orzo and steamed broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if using. Season with black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.8 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 839 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.0 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 16.0 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 255 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 73 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
