Cooking With April

🛒 Ingredients
✔ 1 cup orzo pasta (tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up flavor!) 🍜✔ 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces!) 🥦✔ 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a rich, smooth base!) 🫒✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced (for deep flavor!) 🧄✔ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adds a subtle heat! - optional!) 🌶️✔ 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) (for extra depth of flavor!) 🍵✔ ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)(for a creamy, luscious sauce!) 🥛

✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (melts beautifully into the orzo!) 🧀
✔ ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste 🧂
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
✔ 1 tablespoon butter (adds richness and a silky finish!)🧈
✔ Fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish (optional, for brightness!) 🍋🌿
1️⃣ Cook the Orzo & Broccoli
• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
• Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer.
• Add the broccoli florets, cover, and let cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2️⃣ Make It Creamy & Cheesy!
• Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, reduce the heat to low.
• Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

3️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra Parmesan for an elegant touch!
• Serve warm as a side dish or light main course!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
✔ Pair with Grilled Chicken, Salmon, or Shrimp for a protein-packed meal! 🍗🐟🍤✔ Serve with a Side Salad or Garlic Bread for a complete dinner! 🥗🥖✔ Enjoy as a Vegetarian Main Dish with extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach! 🥦

1 month ago | [YT] | 10