How to Make Veggie Orzo Kids Love in 15 Minutes

Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that your kids will actually love? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Veggie Orzo, a creamy and colorful dish that’s not only packed with nutrients but also takes just 15 minutes to whip up. This is one of those easy pasta recipes that will become a staple in your home, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies, making it a hit with veggies picky eaters.
• Creamy and delicious, it’s a great way to sneak in some nutrition.
• Perfect for dinner ideas for family with toddler or as toddler dinner sides.
• Can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Veggie Orzo, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli (chopped)
• 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
• 2 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious dish:

1. Chop broccoli florets into small pieces and shred the carrots finely.
2. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
3. Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the chicken broth by the time it’s done cooking.
4. Once the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the dish is creamy.
5. Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving to your toddler. It’s delicious as is, or you can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to make your Veggie Orzo even better:

• Feel free to swap in any veggies your kids love! Peas, bell peppers, or spinach work wonderfully.
• If you want to make this a creamy garlic pasta, add a bit more garlic and a splash of cream.
• For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it a complete meal by adding some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!

How to Serve

This Veggie Orzo is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a main dish for a quick family dinner.
• Pair it with a side salad for a refreshing lunch.
• Use it as a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
• Pack it in a lunchbox for an easy lunch idea for picky eaters.
• Top with extra parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, here are some tips:

• Cook the Veggie Orzo and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
• This dish is also great for meal prep! Portion it out for quick weeknight dinner ideas.
• If you want to freeze it, make sure to leave out the cream cheese until you reheat it.

So there you have it! A delightful, creamy Veggie Orzo that your kids will love, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and nutritious. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do! For more delicious recipes, check out my Creamy Veggie Orzo and other tasty treats. Happy cooking!