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Zucchini Orzo

This pasta recipe can be a served as a side dish or main entrée. Orzo is cooked in a saucepan with chicken or vegetable broth and Italian seasoning. While the orzo is cooking, onions and garlic are sautéed together in a skillet. Then chopped zucchini is added to the skillet. Next halved cherry tomatoes are added. When the vegetables are cooked, they are mixed with the cooked orzo with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Course Pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 small zucchini diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tbsp pesto
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring orzo, broth and Italian seasoning to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 13 to 15 minutes uncovered until the orzo is tender, adding more broth if needed.
  2. While the orzo is cooking, dice zucchini into ¼ inch pieces.
  3. Fry the onion in butter, add garlic until fragrant, add zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
  4. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in tomatoes and pesto. Cover and rest 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.