Orzo Primavera

Brighten up your weeknight dinner rotation with a vibrant and refreshing dish of Orzo Primavera! This quick and easy recipe features tender orzo pasta tossed with a medley of sautéed vegetables, including zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Fresh spinach adds a nutrient-packed twist, while a zesty combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese gives every bite a burst of flavor. Finished with fragrant fresh basil and optional Parmesan for garnish, this dish is a perfect balance of light and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meatless main for busy nights or a colorful side for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a healthy pasta recipe or a vibrant vegetarian dinner, Orzo Primavera delivers on taste, simplicity, and wholesome goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Zucchini, diced
• 1 Yellow squash, diced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 6 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for boiling water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked orzo, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Mix well until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve warm, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2517.3 grams (2517.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1771

Total Fat 60.90g	78%
Saturated Fat 14.80g	74%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 5360mg	233%
Total Carbohydrate 256.90g	93%
Dietary Fiber 26.90g	96%
Total Sugars 20.70g
Protein 62.50g	125%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 918mg	71%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 1461mg	31%

*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: 30.0%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 56.3%