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!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Bring 3 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Add the cooked orzo and steamed broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine.

Step 6

Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if using. Season with black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1253.3 grams (1253.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1349

Total Fat 55.70g	71%
Saturated Fat 20.40g	102%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 3775mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 163.50g	59%
Dietary Fiber 15.70g	56%
Total Sugars 6.50g
Protein 64.10g	128%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1019mg	78%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 71mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.5%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 46.3%