I found this spicy broccoli and orzo recipe on Skinnytaste and couldn’t wait to make it. I paired it with the roasted pepper, spinach, and sharp cheddar stuffed chicken breast, a simple salad, and some dinner rolls. My kids devoured their portion even though it was a bit spicy, and they both said they loved it. The whole meal was delicious and a hit with all of us.

Spicy Broccoli and Orzo

Ingredients:

5 oz orzo pasta, cooked per instructions, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water
2 cups of small fresh broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; add more if you want it extra spicy
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Parmesan, shaved, to taste

How to Make Spicy Broccoli and Orzo:

Cook the orzo in a large saucepan of well-salted boiling water, according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.

Meanwhile, place a steamer in a large saucepan with a few inches of water, over high heat, and add the broccoli to the steamer. Cover with a lid and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until fork-tender. Remove the cooked broccoli and set aside.

Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 90 seconds.

Add the orzo and gently mix until well combined, adding some reserved cooking liquid as needed. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Top with shaved Parmesan.

Serve and enjoy.

Spicy Broccoli and Orzo

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: Pam - For the Love of Cooking

Equipment

Steamer and Large Saucepan with Lid
Large skillet

Ingredients

5 oz orzo pasta cooked per instructions
2 cups of small fresh broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes more if you want it extra spicy
2 cloves garlic minced
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Parmesan shaved

Instructions

Cook the orzo in a large saucepan of well-salted boiling water, according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, place a steamer in a large saucepan with a few inches of water over high heat, and add the broccoli to the steamer. Cover with a lid and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until fork-tender. Remove the cooked broccoli and set aside.
Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 90 seconds.
Add the orzo and gently mix until well combined, adding some reserved cooking liquid as needed. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Top with shaved Parmesan.
Serve and enjoy.