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Broccoli Orzo with White Beans, Lemon and Parmesan

Creamy Broccoli Orzo with White Beans, Lemon and Parmesan Delight

This Broccoli Orzo with White Beans, Lemon and Parmesan is a quick, nourishing, vegetarian dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Dish
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Regular or whole wheat
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For richness and to toast the orzo
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 1 can White Beans (cannellini or great northern) Drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter Optional
  • 1 each Lemon Zest & Juice Adjust to taste
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional
  • Fresh Herbs (parsley or basil) For garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of dry orzo pasta, toasting it for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
  2. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add in 2 cups of broccoli florets and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
  5. Fold in 1 can of drained and rinsed white beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in remaining olive oil and optional unsalted butter until melted. Add lemon zest and juice along with ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  8. Serve warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prep ahead by chopping broccoli and mincing garlic to save time. Toast the orzo for flavor and keep an eye on the broth levels while simmering.

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