Description
Creamy, cozy, and bright, this Orzo with Parmesan and Broccoli brings tender pasta, crisp-tender florets, and garlicky olive oil together in one comforting bowl. It’s quick enough for busy nights and elegant enough for company finished with a shower of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add orzo and cook according to package directions, 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pot. Cook until orzo is al dente and broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Drain any excess liquid if needed, reserving a splash.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
- Return orzo and broccoli to the pot. Pour in the warm garlic oil and stir in Parmesan until creamy, loosening with reserved cooking liquid as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a silkier finish, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and stir it in with the Parmesan.
- Use low-sodium broth to help control the seasoning.
- Prefer everything in one pot? Sauté the garlic in olive oil in the same pot first, then add the broth and continue cooking the orzo.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: orzo with broccoli, creamy orzo, parmesan orzo, weeknight pasta, 20-minute meal, vegetarian pasta, stovetop