A hearty, protein-heavy pasta dish that gets on the table in under 20 minutes and isn’t mac and cheese? This creamy orzo with peats and whipped ricotta does it. Wait, and it’s got vegetables, too? Dinnertime gold. Think all the creamy textures and rich tastes of the blue box stuff but homemade, whipped with enough ricotta and stuffed with enough peas to keep the grown-ups happy as well. Make it as a side dish; make it the main dish by adding chunks of canned tuna or pieces of chicken. It makes a meal.
This kid-friendly orzo with peas and ricotta brings together simple pantry staples into a creamy, comforting dish with protein and vegetables. Orzo cooks right in the broth with lemon zest for bright flavor, then gets whipped with ricotta and peas for a texture even picky eaters will love.
What’s the best broth to use?
Use a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth so the dish stays flavorful without being too salty for toddlers. You can also dilute regular broth with water if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — swap the ricotta for a dairy-free soft cheese or a mild plant-based alternative, and use olive oil for richness.
How can I add more protein?
Stir in flaked cooked chicken, canned tuna, or small cubes of mild cheese right before serving.
Can I use other pastas instead of orzo?
Yes — small pastas like pastina, tiny shells, or even mini elbows work, but adjust the cooking time according to the package.
• How to Cook Chicken for Toddlers 101 — A simple, tender chicken to pair with or add to creamy orzo.
• Toddler Steak — A kid-friendly steak that would go great with this orzo.
• Best Salmon — Easy salmon that’s a great protein boost alongside pasta.
This creamy orzo with peas and ricotta is a fast, protein-rich dinner that hits the same comfort notes as mac and cheese—without the box. Ready in under 20 minutes, it works as a side or a simple main for kids and adults alike.
Serve this just as you would mac and cheese: either as a side with whatever protein you had planned, or as the main dish; you can. If your child is a mac and cheese person, or if he/she may be skeptical of the dish, up the ricotta to a half cup to make extra creamy.
A greek version of this dish, known as spanakorizo, requires but one more step to get similarly delicious results. In a pot, wilt a cup of chopped spinach and a spoonful of chopped garlic in a bit of oil; once soft, add in broth and zest, bring to a boil, and cook orzo–or rice–as you do in the above recipe. Instead of ricotta, stir in chunks of feta once your grain is done cooking.
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 small bowl
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
