Cheezy Broccoli Orzo Vegan

Indulge in the creamy, plant-based goodness of this Cheezy Broccoli Orzo Vegan recipe, a comforting, one-pot dish that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Featuring tender orzo pasta coated in a velvety, dairy-free "cheezy" sauce made with nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and a hint of turmeric for a golden glow, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a classic cheesy pasta without any animal products. Steamed broccoli florets add bursts of vibrant color and nutrients, while smoked paprika and garlic infuse the dish with layers of savory depth. With a quick 30-minute cook time and an optional garnish of fresh herbs, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking for a healthier comfort food option, this dish will leave you craving seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 3 cups Broccoli florets
• 1.25 cups Nutritional yeast
• 1.5 cups Unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, or soy)
• 1.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Chopped chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the orzo: In a large pot, bring 1.5 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the orzo and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside, leaving any remaining liquid in the pot.

Step 2

Steam the broccoli: While the orzo cooks, steam the broccoli florets. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until vibrant and tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Prepare the cheesy sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the turmeric powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 4

Thicken the sauce: Whisk together the 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the saucepan to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5

Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked orzo and steamed broccoli to the saucepan with the cheesy sauce. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice, if desired.

Step 6

Serve: Transfer the Cheezy Broccoli Orzo to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1617.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1701.2

Total Fat 40.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3534.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.4g
Protein 67.9g	0%

Vitamin D 150.0IU	0%
Calcium 726.4mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 1296.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.6%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 64.0%