Description
Zucchini Orzo is a delightful and nourishing pasta dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer. This recipe combines tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the chewy texture of orzo pasta, creating a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to bloom. Then, add the diced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini is tender. Finally, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Finish and Serve: Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve the Zucchini Orzo warm.
Notes
Achieve Al Dente Orzo: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, be sure to cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
Sauté Vegetables with Care: Sautéing the zucchini and tomatoes over medium heat helps them retain their texture and flavor. Be mindful not to overcrowd the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.
Enhance Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs, spices, or a splash of white wine to further elevate the flavors of your Zucchini Orzo.
Presentation Matters: Garnish your dish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a visually appealing and restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg