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Veggie Orzo

Creamy Veggie Orzo: Quick, Nutritious Meal for Happy Toddlers

This creamy Veggie Orzo is a quick, nutritious meal perfect for toddlers, ready in just 20 minutes and packed with colorful veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Veggie Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with butter or avoid for a lighter dish.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Chopped into small, bite-sized florets.
  • 1 cup Carrots Must be shredded finely for a smooth texture.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Orzo Small rice-shaped pasta.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Can replace with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Can swap with dairy-free cream cheese.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; can substitute with mozzarella or nutritional yeast.

Equipment

  • medium pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Veggie Orzo
  1. Begin by chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and finely shredding the carrots to ensure a toddler-friendly texture. Set aside the prepared vegetables in a bowl.
  2. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. When the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until both cheeses melt into the orzo.
  5. Allow the creamy Veggie Orzo to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure vegetables are finely chopped for a toddler-friendly texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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