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CREAMY ORZO WITH PARMESAN AND BROCCOLI centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Creamy Orzo with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe Easy

This Creamy Orzo with Parmesan and Broccoli is a simple and speedy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender orzo and nutritious broccoli in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with Parmesan and cream, delivering a comforting and flavorful dish everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped garlic and cook briefly until it releases its aroma.
  3. Toss in the orzo and mix well to coat every piece with the flavorful oil.
  4. Pour the broth into the pan and bring everything to a rolling boil.
  5. Introduce the broccoli pieces, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Let the orzo and broccoli cook for around 10 minutes, stirring now and then until the pasta is soft and the liquid mostly evaporated.
  7. Mix in the heavy cream, shredded Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency and the cheese melts smoothly.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp. Modify the red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your preference.