Creamy Veggie Orzo

Creamy Veggie Orzo

~~rls2007~~

Ingredients:2 cups orzo
1 chicken bullion cube (optional)
3 T butter
2 T EVOO
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1-2 plum tomatoes, diced
1 small summer squash, diced
1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
handful baby spinach

Directions: Notes:  You can use any veggie combo here.  I like to use a combination of varying colors, but frozen peas and corn work well, any bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, etc.

 1) Cook orzo according to package directions in a medium to large pot, adding the chicken bullion to the boiling water.  Drain when finished.

2) Return pot to stove and add butter and EVOO.  Stir until butter is fully melted.

3) Add crushed garlic and onion to butter/oil combination and saute over medium/low heat for 1-2 minutes.  Add mushrooms, tomatoes, squash and pepper and saute an additional 4-5 minutes until veggies have softened a bit.

4) Return orzo to pot.  Add milk and sprinkle parmesan cheese over mixture.  Stir until cheese is melted and milk is fully incorporated into mixture.  Taste and add salt and pepper to taste.

5) Add baby spinach and stir until combined and spinach is slightly wilted.

Notes:  You can use any veggie combo here.  I like to use a combination of varying colors, but frozen peas and corn work well, any bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, etc.