Orzo a La Melanie

Creamy, colorful, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Orzo a La Melanie is the perfect one-skillet dish for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This hearty recipe showcases tender orzo pasta toasted to perfection and simmered in rich vegetable broth, creating a comforting, risotto-like texture without the hassle. The dish is studded with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and onion, beautifully balancing creamy Parmesan and heavy cream with a hint of citrusy brightness from fresh lemon juice. Finished with fragrant parsley and basil, this quick 30-minute recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Serve it as a satisfying vegetarian main or an elegant side dish, and watch it become a family favorite! Keywords: Orzo a La Melanie, one-skillet recipe, creamy orzo, vegetarian dinner, Mediterranean flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil, allowing them to melt and combine.

Step 2

Sauté the diced yellow onion in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Stir in the diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

Step 5

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring it with the other ingredients to coat in the oil and butter.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley and basil.

Step 10

Serve the Orzo a La Melanie warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1443.6 grams (1443.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2040

Total Fat 106.20g	136%
Saturated Fat 53.50g	268%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.10g
Cholesterol 242mg	81%
Sodium 3695mg	161%
Total Carbohydrate 213.40g	78%
Dietary Fiber 25.40g	91%
Total Sugars 24.70g
Protein 66.30g	133%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1011mg	78%
Iron 15mg	85%
Potassium 2435mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 41.1%