Description

A light, flavorful dish combining tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and orzo pasta.

Ingredients

Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta adds a delightful chewy texture and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully.
Zucchini: Diced zucchini brings a tender, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant green color to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy, bite-sized tomatoes provide a delightful pop of sweetness and acidity to complement the other flavors.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory, aromatic base to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of Italian seasoning bring everything together with a delightful harmony of flavors.

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the diced zucchini and sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to slightly soften.

4. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and mix everything together. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine the flavors.

5. Garnish the Zucchini Orzo with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Notes

Choose medium-sized, firm zucchini with a vibrant green color. Avoid overly large or watery zucchini, as they can make the dish too wet.

Be mindful not to overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness. Drain it as soon as it reaches the desired texture.

Adjust seasoning amounts to your personal preferences, adding more lemon juice, Parmesan, or Italian seasoning as desired.

For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 300
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 12
Cholesterol: 10