Pasta, some fresh vegetables and a little cheddar cheese make a perfect side dish! Whip some up in minutes with this easy recipe for cheesy vegetable pasta.
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Why we love this recipe
I’m usually not so much about the side dishes…as you know, I am more about desserts and main courses and anything made with bacon or chocolate.
But this delectable combination of a short pasta, fresh veggies and melty cheddar cheese has me making an exception on the whole side dish thing, because it really is irresistible. Even without any added bacon.
It’s also super fast and super easy, which makes it a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or steak, since it is ready in just about the same amount of time it takes to grill up that main course.
And if you are looking for a delicious meatless main course, it checks that box too! Just scoop a little more into your bowl.
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Pasta: We love orzo (a rice shaped pasta) for this recipe because it fits so nicely in our spoon, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand…elbows, bow-ties, etc. You may need to adjust the cooking time – check the pasta cooking directions on the box of whatever variety you choose.
- Veggies: You can definitely mix and match your favorite veggies in this recipe. Yellow squash, zucchini, spinach, celery…you be you!
- Broth: If you want to make this completely vegetarian, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities and nutritional information.
How to make this recipe
STEP 1: Add some chicken broth and chopped carrots to a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
STEP 2: Add some pasta to the pot, reduce to a simmer, cover the pot and cook it for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender (check it towards the end to make sure it still has some liquid – it should absorb it all by the end. You can drizzle in a little more chicken broth if you need to as it cooks.
STEP 3: Turn off the heat and stir in some shredded zucchini and shredded cheddar. Put the cover back on, let it sit for about 3 minutes and then give everything a stir. Add some salt and pepper if you think it needs it, and serve it up!
Recipe FAQs
We love orzo, which is a rice shaped pasta that you can find in the pasta aisle, because it is the exact right size to fit on a spoon! But any short pasta will work – elbows and bowties are also great. You may have to adjust the cooking time according to the directions on your pasta box.
I love the regular food processor for the carrots, because you want nice small bits and the food processor will chop them to this size in about 5 seconds. The shredding blade will do the same thing for the squash. Whatever veggies you use, the key is to get them into very small pieces.
You can! Any cheese that melts nicely will work – Swiss, Muenster or even fancy cheese like Brie. This is a great way to clean out your cheese supply!
Pop your question in the comments section below and I will answer pronto!
Want to round out your meal?
This cheesy vegetable pasta medley is the perfect side dish alongside grilled steak and grilled chicken.
And whether you have it as a side or a main, how about some homemade rice pudding for dessert?
Other simple side dishes we love
Looking for more side dish inspiration? Here is our complete collection of side dish recipes!
Could you leave us a review?
If you try this recipe, we would love to hear how it came out for you! I’d be super grateful if you could leave a star rating (you pick how many stars! 🌟 ) and your thoughts in the Comments section.
Cheesy Vegetable Pasta
Pasta, some fresh vegetables and a little cheddar cheese make a perfect side dish! Whip some up in minutes with this easy recipe for Cheesy Vegetable Pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small summer squash (yellow or zucchini), shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add broth and carrots to a medium sized pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add orzo, reduce to a simmer and cover pot. Cook for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Turn off heat and stir in squash and cheddar. Put the cover back on and let the pot sit for 3 minutes.
- Stir, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve!
Notes
- Pasta: We love orzo (a rice shaped pasta) for this recipe because it fits so nicely in our spoon, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand…elbows, bow-ties, etc. You may need to adjust the cooking time – check the pasta cooking directions on the box of whatever variety you choose.
- Veggies: You can definitely mix and match your favorite veggies in this recipe. Yellow squash, spinach, celery…you be you!
- Broth: If you want to make this completely vegetarian, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Maura Cooper says
Yeah, what is it with kids not “liking” vegetables? And why, as we age, do we crave them?? It’s been my experience that if you put cheese on almost anything kids will eat it. My current exchange high school student draws the line at cauliflower which I must say has so little flavor of its own that it amazes me she doesn’t like it any which way! Glad you got The Southern Daughter to love this.
It’s mysterious, right? But you are Oh So Right about cheese making everything better. Maybe try my cheesy cauliflower casserole on your exchange student? :)
Nutmeg Nanny says
Yum! I love orzo, this is a perfect combination of flavors :)
And very healthy with all the veggies!
ruthie says
This looks really summery good! Another way to use up some of that zucchini that always seems to be overabundant. ;) And, yes, I think I could eat that whole bowl, never mind anything else.
You and me both! We’ll have to make two bowls. :)
Nessa says
I love orzo! And with cheddar and veggies- to die for :)
Three favorites all in one dish! :)
Carole says
I do this with 1 inch pieces of asparagus and parmesan cheese. Yummy.
It’s great to swap in and out all those great summer veggies, right?
Anna S. says
YUMMY and so fresh-looking with the colorful veggies. Stopping by store to grab a box of orzo pasta after work!
Hurray! I always have orzo around…just in case. :)
Joanne says
How did you know that I have three blocks of cheddar in the fridge right now? This is definitely going on my table!
I always have tons of cheddar in my fridge, so I just assumed everyone did!