Description
This bright and refreshing Zucchini and Lemon Orzo brings together tender pasta with perfectly sautéed zucchini in a vibrant lemon-kissed sauce. The dish celebrates fresh summer flavors with aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Light yet satisfying, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water, following package instructions until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced zucchinis to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the cooked orzo into the zucchini and garlic mixture. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the dish warm, garnishing with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For best results, dice zucchini into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcook the zucchini – it should retain a slight bite. Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled can be substituted if needed. For extra richness, add a pat of butter when mixing in the cheese. This dish is excellent served alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: orzo, zucchini, lemon, pasta, Mediterranean, vegetarian, quick dinner, summer recipe