Description
If you’re in need of a quick dinner, healthy snack, or a side dish for any meal, this Orzo with Broccoli recipe delivers on all fronts. It combines tender pasta with vibrant broccoli, aromatic garlic, and a touch of zesty lemon—perfect for those who crave easy dinner ideas without compromising flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping weekday meals, this dish is light, satisfying, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Whether it’s part of your weeknight rotation or your go-to for gatherings, you’ll love how easily this orzo dish fits into your favorite food ideas. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Toss in the cooked orzo and broccoli. Stir to coat in the garlic oil.
- Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm or at room temperature.