Vegetable Orzo Side Dish
Brighten up your next meal with this colorful and flavorful Vegetable Orzo Side Dish, a perfect balance of tender orzo pasta and vibrant sautéed vegetables. This quick and easy recipe combines a medley of zucchini, carrots, red bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed together in a light lemony finish. Cooked in savory vegetable broth, the orzo absorbs an extra layer of richness, while a hint of parsley adds a fresh herbal note. Optional Parmesan cheese offers a creamy, savory topping for added indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile side dish pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or can be enjoyed solo as a hearty vegetarian option. It's a crowd-pleaser that blends bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simple preparation—a must-try for pasta and veggie lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain any excess liquid, if needed, and set aside.
While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked orzo.
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and the lemon juice, mixing well to combine.
Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a light vegetarian meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1572 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.0 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 3273 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 219.4 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 63.3 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 888 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2458 mg | 52% | |
*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.
