Creamy Veggie Orzo That's Toddler-Approved and Delicious

This creamy Veggie Orzo combines vibrant vegetables into a delightful dish that even toddlers love.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds healthy fats and flavor; substitute with butter or avocado oil if desired.
1 cup Orzo The tiny pasta base that gives this dish a delightful texture; can be replaced with small pasta shapes like pastina or ditalini.
2 cups Chicken Broth Deepens the flavor profile; vegetable broth makes a suitable vegetarian option.

For the Vegetables

1 cup Broccoli, chopped Provides fiber and vitamin C; swap with zucchini or spinach if preferred.
1 cup Carrots, finely shredded Adds natural sweetness; feel free to use any soft vegetable your child enjoys.
2 teaspoons Garlic, minced Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; garlic powder can also work.

For the Creaminess

1 ounce Cream Cheese Creates a velvety sauce; plant-based cream cheese is great for dairy-free options.
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a savory touch; substitute with shredded mozzarella or omit for a dairy-free experience.

Equipment

Medium pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for Veggie Orzo

Begin by finely chopping 1 cup of broccoli and shredding 1 cup of carrots. Set the prepared veggies aside.
In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli, carrots, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add 1 cup of orzo and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until orzo is tender.
Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 ounce of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted.
Allow the Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This creamy Veggie Orzo is a fantastic option for a quick meal and toddler-friendly dining. Consider adding protein options like cooked chicken or ground turkey for extra nutrition.

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