Print

Zucchini Orzo Recipe

Zucchini Orzo Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

A light and flavorful Zucchini Orzo recipe featuring tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta and finished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This simple yet delicious dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy side.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook Zucchini and Tomatoes: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes tender. Then stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
  4. Combine with Orzo: Lower the heat and add the cooked orzo into the skillet. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry or needs loosening.
  5. Add Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley until well combined and creamy.
  6. Serve: Serve the zucchini orzo warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy this fresh and light dish as a side or a main course.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the dish if needed.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can add a protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
  • To make it vegan, substitute parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or mint for a different flavor twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini orzo, vegetarian pasta recipe, summer pasta dish, easy orzo recipe, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/zucchini-orzo-recipe/