Disappearing Zucchini Orzo
Transform your summer zucchini surplus into a creamy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece with this Disappearing Zucchini Orzo recipe. This quick and easy dish combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed zucchini that melts into the dish, creating a luscious, veggie-packed base. A rich blend of Parmesan cheese, a hint of zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic elevate the flavors, while a light broth brings it all together into a risotto-like texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it warm for a comforting meal everyone will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, finely shred the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the shredded zucchini to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The zucchini will soften and release its water; let it cook down until the liquid evaporates.
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked orzo and mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
Add the lemon zest and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
364 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.2 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 673 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.8 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 264 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 399 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
