Whip up this incredibly creamy, cheesy orzo with lemon and zucchini. It’s a delightful one-pot pasta dish perfect for a quick and comforting meal, bursting with fresh summer flavors.
Author:Chloe Thompson
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:One-Pot
Cuisine:Italian-inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1.5 cups orzo pasta
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add the diced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Pour in the orzo and stir to coat it with the onion and zucchini mixture.
Add the vegetable broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.