When you’re looking for a colorfully different side dish, you’ll love this orzo recipe with fresh veggies!
Zucchini orzo combines orzo (a delicious rice-like pasta) with zucchini, tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan. Tihs side is so good, you’ll go back to it again and again.
What is Orzo?
Orzo is often mistaken for rice, but it is really a tiny type of pasta that’s shaped a little larger than rice. It can be served hot or cold (as an orzo pasta salad).
It holds up well in soups or salads and makes for a great side!
We like it because of its mild flavor and firm texture and the fact that it can be paired with almost anything.
How to Cook Orzo with Zucchini
Super easy but elegant, this orzo recipe will be ready in no time.
- Cook onion in butter and garlic with zucchini (per recipe below).
- Meanwhile, cook orzo in broth until tender. Stir in tomatoes and pesto. Cover and let it rest.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and half the Parmesan cheese. Season again with salt and pepper to desired taste.
Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (optional).
Serve With…
This hearty side dish goes well with almost any protein entrees like juicy pork chops.
Add in some baked chicken breasts or pair it with an Air Fryer chicken to make it into a meal.
Orzo Favorites
- Lemon Orzo – quick & easy
- Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Orzo – easy & elegant
- Lemon Chicken Soup – perfect for a cold day
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad – so colorful
- Meatball Soup – hearty & satisfying
Did you love this Zucchini Orzo? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Zucchini Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or as needed
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small zucchini diced, about 1 ½ cups
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring orzo, broth, and Italian seasoning to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 13-15 minutes uncovered until the orzo is tender, adding more broth if needed.
- While orzo is cooking, dice zucchini into ¼ inch pieces.
- Fry onion in butter, add garlic until fragrant, add zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Once orzo is cooked, stir in tomatoes and pesto. Cover and rest 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini and 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
I added 1/4 tsp pepper and doubled the Parmesan , served as a side with Gyros
That sounds delicious, thanks for sharing!
I made this today but added 1 pound raw shrimp and it was yummy! Next time I’ll try cut up raw chicken pieces or turkey pieces.
That sounds delicious, Sadie! Thank you for sharing.
This is colorful and delicious and only used 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
Served with grilled salmon and salad on the side. Def. recommend. Never been disappointed with Holly’s recipes.
That sounds delicious Galeynn! I am so glad you are enjoying the recipes.
Holly, I’ve commented on other recipes as well. With my wife now 10 years out of gastric bypass surgery, she still has special dietary needs. Everything that I’ve made from your recipes has been a home run for her. I’d also like to thank you for teaching me how to properly make Orzo. My wife also thanks you for teaching her to “rest” her lasagna for 20 minutes after removing from the oven. We call you “the kitchen mad scientist”.
Thank you both so much for your kind words, it has truly made my day (and I love my new name, The Kitchen Mad Scientist. LOL!)!! So glad you’ve loved the recipes!
Great side dish! I did not have cherry tomatoes so I used red bell peppers added a pop of flavor and color.
This sure sounds delicious, looks beautiful, and it’s npretty quick to prepare. What a lovely side, fit for company-as well :-)
Thanks Angelina! Can’t wait for you to enjoy it!