Vegetable Orzo

Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Vegetable Orzo is a one-pan dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a medley of fresh, sautéed vegetables. Featuring zucchini, red bell pepper, carrots, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this recipe is infused with a light yet flavorful vegetable broth and finished with zesty lemon juice and fresh parsley. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main course or a versatile side dish, it’s quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners. Optional grated Parmesan adds a touch of indulgence, while the recipe’s vibrant ingredients and earthy garlic flavor provide a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired experience. Perfect for those seeking healthy, easy, and satisfying meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large Carrot, diced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional), grated

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 4

Add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the vegetables and broth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1731.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2011.5

Total Fat 58.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 5054.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.4g	0%
Total Sugars 33.5g
Protein 81.0g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1049.0mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 3283.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.3%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 59.1%