Garlic Zucchini and Tomato Orzo
Brighten up your dinner table with this Garlic Zucchini and Tomato Orzo, a quick and easy one-pan dish that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in savory vegetable broth and infused with the vibrant freshness of sautéed zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, this recipe is both hearty and wholesome. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy finish, while fresh basil and a dash of red pepper flakes elevate the dish with subtle complexity. Perfect as a weeknight vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish, this 30-minute recipe combines convenience with irresistible flavor in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2.5 cups vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Dice the zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften and take on some color.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down slightly and release their juices.
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the dish. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1597 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.8 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 6645 mg | 289% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.0 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.8 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.5 g | ||
| Protein | 59.0 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 691 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 12.8 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2552 mg | 54% | |
*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.
