Best 8 Garden Orzo Risotto Recipes

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Let the delightful flavors of spring dance on your palate with a tantalizing culinary creation: garden orzo risotto. This vibrant dish is a captivating fusion of textures and tastes, combining the delicate crunch of fresh vegetables with the creamy embrace of orzo pasta. Imagine a symphony of flavors, where the sweetness of peas, the earthy notes of asparagus, and the vibrant tang of cherry tomatoes harmoniously blend with the rich, nutty essence of orzo, all enveloped in a luscious broth that whispers of springtime's bounty. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where each bite promises a delightful encounter with the garden's finest offerings, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for nature's culinary wonders.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

GARDEN ORZO RISOTTO



Garden Orzo Risotto image

No one will believe this rich, creamy dish was prepared in less than 30 minutes! I developed the recipe when my garden tomatoes, zucchini and basil were coming on strong. Using orzo instead of Arborio rice makes the risotto so much easier to prepare. -Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small zucchini, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup 2% milk
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute zucchini and shallot in oil until almost tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the orzo, broth and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed., Stir in the spinach, tomatoes and basil; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheese, salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 429mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GARDEN RISOTTO



Garden Risotto image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 lightly packed cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 pound asparagus, steamed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately low heat and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup of the hot broth, the salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper and simmer, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 3/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the broth to be absorbed before adding more, until rice is almost tender and creamy-looking, about 18 minutes.
  • Add the spinach and peas and cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the asparagus and cook just until the vegetables are hot. Stir in the Parmesan and more broth if the risotto seems too thick. Serve in soup plates.

ROASTED VEGETABLE ORZO



Roasted Vegetable Orzo image

This is a recipe I made up with all of the wonderful summer vegetables in season. Serve it with chicken or all on its own!

Provided by Michelle

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Zucchini

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 zucchini, sliced
1 summer squash, sliced
1 red onion, cut into chunks
1 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound portobello mushrooms, thickly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pinch white sugar
salt and black pepper to taste
4 cubes chicken bouillon
¼ cup dry white wine
1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Place the zucchini, squash, onion, asparagus, and mushrooms in a large bowl; add in garlic, olive oil and sugar, and stir gently to coat vegetables. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast vegetables until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add bouillon cubes, wine, and orzo, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain. Stir in roasted vegetables and Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 621 calories, Carbohydrate 104.5 g, Cholesterol 2.9 mg, Fat 11.4 g, Fiber 10.5 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 1041.6 mg, Sugar 9.8 g

GARDEN ORZO RISOTTO



Garden Orzo Risotto image

Make and share this Garden Orzo Risotto recipe from Food.com.

Provided by WKernan

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 25m

Yield 4 3/4 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small zucchini, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
6 ounces spinach
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup basil
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute zucchini and shallot in oil until almost tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the orzo, broth and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed.
  • Stir in the spinach, tomatoes and basil; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheese, salt and pepper. Yield: 6 servings.
  • 2/3 cup: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.9, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 15.9, Sodium 199.8, Carbohydrate 40.8, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 13.1

ORZO RISOTTO



Orzo Risotto image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads steeped in 2 tablespoons white wine
1 3/4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
Salt and crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Saute the shallot in butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the steeped saffron in white wine and evaporate. Add the orzo and saute just enough to coat the pasta kernels.
  • Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil and cook until the pasta has absorbed the broth, and is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, cover and steep just long enough for the shrimp to gently warm through. Season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper; garnish with parsley.

ORZO RISOTTO WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES



Orzo Risotto With Roasted Vegetables image

A recipe I found on Better Homes and Garden. Very good leftovers. Use the flavors you enjoy for spicing up the veggies, I prefer a spicier taste so I used cumin and cayenne. I have listed recommendations - if you find a spice that works well that's not listed, please let me know so I can add it to the list!

Provided by packeyes

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 45m

Yield 4 vegetable orzos, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into small cubes
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces mushrooms, halved
1 large onion, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon rosemary, fresh and chopped
spices, assorted (such as cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, basil, parsley, whatever flavors you like)
1 tablespoon olive oil
28 ounces chicken broth
8 ounces whole wheat orzo (1 1/3 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray. Place squash pieces inside. Season lightly. Cover and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Take squash out of the oven and add mushrooms, onion, rosemary, oil and assorted spices. Toss together. Roast in oven, uncovered for 15 - 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring once or twice.
  • Meanwhile, bring broth to a boil. Cover and keep simmering. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add orzo and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until orzo is lightly browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the broth to the orzo. Return to heat and stir frequently until broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth to the orzo, 1/2 cup at a time, with orzo absorbing the broth before adding more. Cook and stir until orzo is tender and creamy, about 15 minutes.
  • Add vegetables and walnuts to orzo and gently stir together. Sprinkle each serving with feta cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390.9, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 1.5, Sodium 681.5, Carbohydrate 63.9, Fiber 8.7, Sugar 5.9, Protein 17

SPRING ORZO RISOTTO



Spring Orzo Risotto image

I thought I had Arborio rice but I obviously did not. Orzo pasta makes a delightful risotto with help from spring veggies like asparagus and peas. For service, garnish with some freshly grated Grana Padano cheese and chopped parsley.

Provided by Jonathan Charbz

Categories     Risotto

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 ½ cups vegetarian chicken-flavored broth
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, diced
¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
¼ cup dry white wine
1 hard cheese rind
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup finely grated Grana Padano cheese
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Pour vegetarian chicken broth and vegetable broth into a medium saucepan over over medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover until needed.
  • Melt butter and oil together in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion, pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes before adding the zucchini and another pinch of sea salt. Stir and continue to cook for about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the dry orzo pasta and continue to cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
  • Pour in wine, stirring as it bubbles until the rapid bubbling stops. Pour in hot broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and add cheese rind and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Cook and stir until a good portion of the liquid has been soaked up by the orzo, about 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus and frozen peas and continue to simmer until nearly all of the liquid is gone and orzo is fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in Grana Padano cheese, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and desired amount of cracked pepper. Remove and discard cheese rind. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408.7 calories, Carbohydrate 63 g, Cholesterol 21.2 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 504.5 mg, Sugar 7 g

GARDEN RISOTTO



Garden Risotto image

With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular flavor and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you've got one delectable dish! -Kendra Doss, Kansas City, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups uncooked arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine or additional reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Place asparagus in a steamer basket; place in a small saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Set aside., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute onion in oil until tender. Add rice; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in the wine, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed., Add heated broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook just until risotto is creamy and rice is almost tender. (Cooking time is about 20 minutes.), Add the spinach, peas, cheese and reserved asparagus; cook and stir until heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 539mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and creamy cheese will make all the difference in your garden orzo risotto.
  • Don't overcook the orzo: Orzo should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Add the vegetables in stages: Adding the vegetables in stages will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming overcooked.
  • Use a good quality broth: The broth is the base of the risotto, so it's important to use a good quality broth. Vegetable broth, chicken broth, or seafood broth can all be used, depending on your preference.
  • Stir constantly: Risotto requires constant stirring. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and also helps to release the starch from the rice, which gives the risotto its creamy texture.
  • Add the cheese gradually: Adding the cheese gradually will help it melt evenly and smoothly. Stir until the cheese is completely melted before adding more.
  • Serve immediately: Garden orzo risotto is best served immediately, while it's still hot and creamy.

Conclusion:

Garden orzo risotto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you're sure to love this recipe. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give garden orzo risotto a try!

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