Creamy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
This creamy baked orzo with vegetables is the ultimate comfort food, combining orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the orzo, vegetable broth, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour over the orzo and vegetables.
- Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Top with Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
Serve warm as a main course or with a side salad or crusty bread. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Sprinkling herbs like thyme or basil on top before baking can add flavor.