Creamy Vegetable Orzo

Creamy Vegetable Orzo
35 min.
35
30kcal

Suggestions

Imagine transforming a simple box of orzo into a restaurant-quality, creamy vegetable medley that is ready in just 35 minutes. This dish is a true celebration of flavor and texture, where the earthy sweetness of sautéed onions and peppers perfectly complements the mild, nutty bite of the pasta. What makes this recipe truly special is the secret finishing touch: a swirl of Philadelphia Chive & Onion cream cheese. This single ingredient acts as a culinary shortcut, instantly creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of orzo without the need for heavy dairy or complicated emulsions. It is an incredibly versatile option that fits seamlessly into any meal plan, serving as a light yet satisfying side dish, a delightful antipasti, or a quick snack for any time of day. Despite its creamy appeal, this dish is remarkably healthy, offering a mere 30 calories per serving while providing a substantial balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. The inclusion of frozen corn and fresh bell peppers not only adds vibrant pops of color to make the dish visually stunning but also ensures a burst of natural sweetness in every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd of 35 people, this recipe scales effortlessly, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or busy weeknight dinners where you need something nutritious but impressive. The cooking process is straightforward and forgiving, requiring only a large skillet and minimal stirring to achieve perfectly tender vegetables and pasta. Whether you are looking to lighten up your menu or simply want to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness with minimal effort, this Creamy Vegetable Orzo is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It proves that delicious, crowd-pleasing meals do not require hours of prep or expensive ingredients, just a few smart choices and a dash of creativity.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup philadelphia chive & onion 1/3 less fat than cream cheese ()
  • 14 oz chicken broth fat-free reduced-sodium canned
  • cup regular corn frozen
  • Tbsp oil 
  • small onion chopped
  • 0.8 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 0.5 cup pasilla peppers green red chopped

Equipment

  • frying pan

Directions

  1. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat.
  2. Add onions; cook 4 min., stirring frequently. Stir in peppers and corn; cook and stir 2 min.
  3. Add orzo; cook and stir 1 min.
  4. Stir in broth; bring to boil on high heat. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 to 12 min. or until orzo and vegetables are tender and most the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add reduced-fat cream cheese; cook 1 to 2 min. or until cream cheese is melted and sauce is well blended, stirring constantly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories30kcal
Protein11.51%
Fat35.83%
Carbs52.66%

Properties

Glycemic Index
2.26
Glycemic Load
1.01
Inflammation Score
-1
Nutrition Score
0.94695652438247%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.1mg
Isorhamnetin
0.1mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.45mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:29.8kcal
1.49%
Fat:1.21g
1.87%
Saturated Fat:0.5g
3.11%
Carbohydrates:4.01g
1.34%
Net Carbohydrates:3.71g
1.35%
Sugar:0.34g
0.38%
Cholesterol:2.01mg
0.67%
Sodium:62mg
2.7%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:0.88g
1.75%
Selenium:2.33µg
3.33%
Vitamin C:2.2mg
2.67%
Manganese:0.04mg
2.17%
Phosphorus:12.43mg
1.24%
Fiber:0.31g
1.22%
Vitamin B6:0.02mg
1.09%
Vitamin B3:0.21mg
1.05%