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.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Dice the zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the dish. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1505.2 grams (1505.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1597

Total Fat 52.80g	68%
Saturated Fat 14.70g	74%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 6645mg	289%
Total Carbohydrate 233.00g	85%
Dietary Fiber 24.80g	89%
Total Sugars 45.50g
Protein 59.00g	118%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 691mg	53%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 2552mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.9%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 56.7%