Description
This comforting dish combines roasted broccoli, orzo pasta, and creamy white beans, topped with parmesan and lemon for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head broccoli (about 1½ lb / 600 g, cut into small florets)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, add more as needed)
- 1 can white beans (15 oz / 400 g can, butter beans or cannellini, drained and rinsed)
- ½ lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste, plus black pepper)
Instructions
- Roast the broccoli: Heat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Cut the broccoli into florets and add them on a baking sheet. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and spread on a single layer for 18–22 minutes, until soft with golden, crispy edges.
- Cook the garlic: While the broccoli roasts, place a large skillet on low heat and add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (grated) and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30–60 seconds, just until it smells good. Don’t let it turn brown.
- Cook the orzo and beans: Add 1 cup orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to coat it in the oil, then add 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 can white beans (rinsed), ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is soft and creamy. Add a little more broth if it gets too thick.
- Add lemon and cheese: Turn off the heat. Stir in the zest and juice of ½ lemon, then add ½ cup grated parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
- Finish and serve: Gently mix in the roasted broccoli. Taste and add more lemon, pepper, or broth if needed. Serve warm with a little olive oil, lemon zest, and pepper on top.
Notes
- If sensitive to garlic, use 1 clove or less.
- Add more broth if the orzo gets too thick during cooking.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg