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Carrot Orzo
5 from 15 votes

Carrot Orzo

This light and creamy one-pot carrot orzo gets it's creaminess from veggie broth and parmesan (no cream!) and is a delicious vegetarian side dish to serve with dinner tonight!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 273 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups carrot shredded
  • 1 onion medium
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 3 TBSP butter unsalted
  • 2 cups orzo pasta dry
  • 2.5 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1/2-1 tsp salt season to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp thyme dried
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • ¼ cup chives chopped fresh
OPTIONAL TOPPING: CARAMELIZED CARROTS
  • 3-4 carrot peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 TBSP butter
  • black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
  • parsley fresh, optional, for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Spread shredded carrots onto a cutting board and chop into small pieces. If using whole carrots, simply grate using a box grater and chop, or feel free use a food processor.
  2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
  3. Heat a 4-quart pot to medium heat and melt your butter. Add onion and carrot and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. 
  4. While your veggies cook, microwave broth and water for 5 minutes in a large glass measuring cup or microwave safe bowl. If preferred you can heat via a small pot/saucepan on the stove.
  5. Add garlic and orzo to your onion/carrots and cook for an additional minute.
  6. Slowly stir in hot broth mixture and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  7. Keeping heat set to medium, cook 15-18 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo and veggies resemble a creamy risotto in texture. Mixture will be quite liquidly but the veggies and orzo will soak up the broth as it cools.
  8. Add parmesan cheese and chives and mix well. Add any additional salt, pepper, and parmesan to taste if desired. Remove from heat and serve while still hot. 
OPTIONAL CARAMELIZED CARROTS
  1. Peel carrots and remove the ends. Slice thinly.
  2. Heat a pan or skillet to medium-high heat and melt butter. 
  3. Once butter starts to bubble, add carrots and leave in a single layer, undisturbed, for approx. 3 minutes. Once they've seared and started to caramelize a bit, they'll release easily. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes or so or until carrots are tender, stirring as needed to prevent over-browning.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with parsley for an optional garnish. Serve atop carrot orzo for a burst of color and extra carrot flavor!

Notes

  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 273kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 697mg (29%) Potassium 295mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 9655IU (193%) Vitamin C 5.4mg (6%) Calcium 183mg (18%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 273

% Daily Value*

Calories 273kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 697mg 29%
Potassium 295mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 9655IU 193%
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6%
Calcium 183mg 18%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.