Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (2024)

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By Sarah Rossi

on Aug 05, 2022, Updated Apr 02, 2024

5 from 67 votes

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If you’re looking for more orzo recipes to add to your meal planning, look no further than this one-pot Broccoli Orzo Bake.

It’s a quick, easy and delicious vegetarian family meal that’s ideal for everyone to tuck into.

Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (2)

Have you ever cooked with orzo pasta? If not, where have you been my friends?!

It’s shaped in tiny little grains, a little like rice. This means when it cooks it gives a kind of risotto vibe. It also cooks quickly and evenly with no faff, which of course we love.

I’ve left this recipe meat free as I’m always trying to introduce more meat-free recipes to our dinners and I love broccoli. You could add in ham, or other cooked meats though if you like.

This orzo recipe involves very little effort, not much time in the oven, and is just one of those quick dinner wins when time and ingredients are low. This is perfect for budget meal planning at any time of the year too.

Why you’ll love this Orzo Bake recipe

⭐️ Super easy and no-faff

⭐️ All made in one pan

⭐️ Two portions of veg

Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (3)

About this Orzo Bake

Orzo is a kind of pasta that is shaped a bit like rice. In Italy, it is known as ‘little pasta’ and was traditionally used in soups, but it has become a widely-used versatile type of pasta that can be used in many kinds of hot or cold dishes.

It’s also a great one for something a little different in the slow cooker, like my Lamb Orzo Stew recipe.

(I have added a hob method for this recipe too in case you’d rather not use your oven for this recipe.)

Broccoli Orzo Bake Ingredients

  • Oil
  • Onion – Fresh or pre-prepared frozen (my preference)
  • Broccoli – A whole head
  • Garlic – Fresh, frozen, jarred or paste is fine
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Orzo
  • Vegetable stock – A cube will be OK
  • Pesto
  • Peas
  • Grated cheese

Substitutions

  • Meat – Feel free to add meat if you prefer, such as chicken or ham. Or you could adapt this from my Meatball Orzo Bake recipe instead.

Leftovers

In the fridge You can keep this refrigerated and reheat this but you might find with orzo that it becomes a bit gloopy. Add a splash of water or an ice cube before you reheat it to stop it drying out.

In the freezer Orzo is always at its best when cooked and eaten immediately, but that’s not to say it won’t still be delicious if it’s out of the freezer. See the tip above for reheating.

Top tips for making this Orzo Bake

Cheese

You can use any cheese to grate over this recipe, but I find the stronger flavour the better, especially when it goes over broccoli as the two ingredients go so well together.

Orzo Bake FAQs

Will this recipe work with a different type of pasta?

This recipe would be a bit hit and miss with with another kind of pasta because orzo cooks so quickly. If you have rice you could try my easy oven risotto instead. That has a similar cooking style but with risotto rice instead of orzo.

Can you recommend a good pan to do this dish in?

I have tried-and-tested a number of one-pan pans which might help. Read the review here.

Can I make this on the hob instead of in the oven?

Yes! The full method is on the recipe below, but basically you add everything to a pan with oil, simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on, stir occasionally, then add the pesto and peas when the orzo is soft. Sprinkle with cheese and grill for 5 minutes.

Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.

Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).

Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (4)

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5 from 67 votes

Broccoli Orzo Bake

By Sarah Rossi

This Broccoli Orzo Bake is a delicious vegetarian pasta recipe that’s so easy to make and is all thrown together in one pan.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Oil
  • 1 Onion, Peeled and chopped
  • 300 g Broccoli, If cooking for 4 people, just use a whole head, the weight is a guide! Cut into small chunks
  • 2 Cloves of garlic, Peeled and chopped
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • 300 g Orzo
  • 500 ml Vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp Pesto
  • 200 g Peas
  • 75 g Grated cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200C.

  • In a roasting tin put the oil, onion, broccoli, garlic, paprika and salt and pepper. Toss everything so it's all coated. Bake for 10 minutes.

  • Add the orzo, pesto and stock. Mix well, cover with a lid (or tin foil). Bake for another 15 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven add the peas, mix in and sprinkle the cheese over. Bake for a further 5 minutes, uncovered.

  • Check that the orzo is cooked through and serve.

To make on the hob:

  • Heat oil in sauté pan and add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until softened.

  • Add in the broccoli, paprika, salt, pepper, orzo and vegetable stock.

  • Bring to a simmer, cover with lid and cook for 15 minutes over a low heat. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

  • When the orzo is soft, stir in the pesto and the peas.

  • Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and place under the grill for 5 minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 514kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 22gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 748mgPotassium: 842mgFiber: 10gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2180IUVitamin C: 158mgCalcium: 255mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Family Food

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Categorized as:
Cheap Eats, Cheese, Collections, Comfort Food, Main Courses, One Pot, One Pot Vegetarian, Orzo, Pasta, Pasta Bake Recipes, Recipes, Vegetarian

Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (5)

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15 Comments

  1. Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (11)
    Delicious, my kids absolutely loved it. Every bite was eaten. Yum!

    Reply

  2. Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (12)
    Made twice now, second time around I switched the Broccoli for leeks as my hubby isn’t a Broccoli fan. Fair to say it worked really well and I can’t actually say if I prefer one over the other. Hubby on the other hand will choose the leeks again! Brilliant recipe and a firm new favourite!

    Reply

  3. Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (13)
    Followed the weekly meal plan which included this recipe. I scaled down to cook for 2 and decided to be brave and attempt it in the air fryer. It worked a treat. Very tasty recipe.

    Reply

    1. Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (14)
      How did you make this om your airfryer please. Many thx

      Reply

Broccoli Orzo Bake {Vegetarian Pasta Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is a low carb substitute for orzo? ›

What is a low carb substitute for orzo? Cauliflower rice, quinoa, pearl barley, buckwheat, couscous, and corn are great alternatives and have lower levels of carbs than orzo.

How much orzo per person? ›

Wondering how much orzo per person? A serving is about ⅓ c uncooked, as long as the pasta is the “main” component. Plan on ¼ cup orzo per person if adding to a soup or making a pasta salad with lots of mix-ins.

Can you reheat orzo? ›

Leftovers & reheating orzo pasta

In the fridge Orzo can become a little gloopy after you've initially cooked it, so add a splash of water or an ice cube before you reheat it to stop it drying out. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat fully before serving.

Is orzo a kind of pasta? ›

Orzo is rice-shaped pasta. Although its appearance resembles grains of rice, orzo is actually made from a specific type of flour called semolina. Since orzo is a type of pasta, the health benefits of orzo and pasta made from the same ingredients are the same.

What is the best pasta to eat on a low carb diet? ›

Lentil Pasta

On grocery shelves, you'll find pasta made from red, yellow, and green lentils. Most lentil pastas range from 180 to 210 calories, with 34 to 35 grams carbs per 2-ounce serving. Shop for: Barilla Red Lentil Spaghetti.

Which is healthier, orzo or quinoa? ›

Which is healthier, orzo or quinoa? Quinoa offers more protein and isn't gluten-filled like orzo. However, both are healthy in a balanced diet. But if you want more protein and no gluten, quinoa is the healthier option.

Is orzo healthier than rice or pasta? ›

Rice and orzo contain a significant amount of nutrients like protein and carbs; orzo has a higher concentration of these two nutrients. These nutrients help replenish the body's energy and heal the tissues from within. Therefore, a higher concentration of this makes orzo the better option.

How much does 1 cup of dry orzo make? ›

Add 1 cup dried orzo (about 6 ounces) to boiling water. This yields 2 cups cooked: 4 servings of ½ cup each.

How many cups of orzo do I need for 2 people? ›

You can measure out orzo and should plan on about 1/4 cup (or 2 ounces) dry pasta per person. Orzo will more than double in size when cooked so don't worry, there will be enough.

Do you wash orzo before cooking? ›

Test Kitchen Tip. Rinse the orzo only if it will be baked or served cool in a salad. Otherwise, do not rinse; rinsing removes a light coating of starch that helps sauces and seasonings cling to the pasta.

Why is orzo so popular? ›

Orzo is fantastically versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Thanks to the small, thin shape, orzo cooks quickly, generally in 8-10 minutes, whether you prepare it like pasta or rice. It's an easy pasta that's great to use as a base for pasta salad or an addition to chicken noodle soup.

Does cooked orzo go bad? ›

If you've cooked your orzo, it's good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Now, if you decide to freeze your cooked orzo, it can last up to 3 months. How do you tell if orzo is bad? Check if your orzo has gone bad by examining its appearance and smell.

What is the best brand of orzo pasta? ›

The Best Orzo Pasta: The DeLallo Difference

While other brands offer orzo pasta, DeLallo boasts an authentic Italian pasta backed by generations of pasta making experience.

How do Italians eat orzo? ›

Orzo can be used in a variety of cooking, and in Italy it serves as a staple all year round since it is most commonly be found in cold salads or comforting soups.

Does orzo spike blood sugar? ›

Orzo and asparagus are low-glycemic foods, making this recipe great for those who need to control their blood sugar.

What can you use instead of orzo? ›

21+ Best Orzo Substitutes For Any Need
  • Pearl Couscous.
  • Small Elbow Macaroni.
  • Stellette Pasta.
  • Fregola Pasta.
  • Bulgar Wheat.
  • Ditalini Pasta.
  • Conchiglie Pasta.
  • Brown rice.
Apr 16, 2024

Can you eat orzo on a low carb diet? ›

Heart Low Carb Orzo Pasta is an excellent choice for people who follow a low carb or ketogenic diet.

What can you substitute for pasta that is low carb? ›

8 Low-Carb & Grain-Free Substitutes for Pasta
  • Zucchini. Zucchini is a popular noodle substitute because its texture makes it easy to spiral out into spaghetti-like shapes. ...
  • Cauliflower. ...
  • Spaghetti Squash. ...
  • Egg Noodles. ...
  • Cucumber. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Eggplant. ...
  • Cabbage.

Is low carb pasta a thing? ›

Palmini low-carb pasta uses the interior of a type of palm tree to create a pasta-like substitution. If you've ever had hearts of palm, the taste is somewhat unique (some people love it, and others hate it). As far as low carb noodles are concerned, Palmini is a great option with fewer carbs than most.

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