Best 8 Orzotto With Zucchini And Pesto Recipes

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Orzotto with zucchini and pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. This Italian-inspired dish combines the nutty flavor of orzo pasta with the fresh taste of zucchini and the vibrant flavor of pesto. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ORZOTTO WITH PEAS



Orzotto with Peas image

"I find I have more luck getting my son to eat vegetables when I pair them with something he really likes, such as pasta," Kelsey says.

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 1/2 cups orzo or pearl barley
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
3 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1/2 cup frozen petite green peas, thawed
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus the juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine (or stock) and cook until absorbed, about 1 minute.
  • Gradually add 3 cups chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and the orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in the peas, parmesan, basil, heavy cream and lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with more parmesan.

ORZOTTO WITH PANCETTA & PEAS



Orzotto with pancetta & peas image

Substitute rice for orzo pasta to make this risotto-style 'orzotto', packed with pancetta and peas. It makes a lovely and quick midweek meal for the family

Provided by Dani Mosley

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Supper

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

150g diced pancetta
1 red onion , finely chopped
4 garlic cloves , crushed
500g orzo
1.5 litres chicken stock
500g frozen petit pois or peas
½ lemon , zested and juiced
small bunch basil , leaves picked and shredded
75g parmesan , grated, plus extra to serve

Steps:

  • Put the pancetta in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat, add the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry in any leftover fat for 5 mins. Add the garlic and continue to fry for a further 3 mins.
  • Increase the heat and stir in the orzo. Fry for 2 mins, stirring constantly, then pour in 500ml stock and bring to a simmer. Add more stock by the ladleful, stirring constantly, as the orzo absorbs the liquid (similar to cooking a risotto).
  • After 5 mins, stir in the petit pois and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to add the remaining stock, stirring, as the mixture cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through. Add the lemon zest and juice, basil, parmesan and fried pancetta. Season to taste, then cover and leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 518 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 73 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 29 grams protein, Sodium 2 milligram of sodium

PESTO ORZO WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI



Pesto Orzo with Roasted Zucchini image

I made up this recipe after finding out the health benefits of orzo. This is really tasty and light at the same time, a great dinner dish that will leave you asking for more--thankfully, it tastes even better for lunch the next day!

Provided by Maristela

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Pesto Pasta Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 large Spanish onion, chopped
½ cup pesto sauce
8 cherry tomatoes, halved, or more to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place zucchini in a bowl and season with 2 tablespoons oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all slices are moistened. Spread on a large baking sheet.
  • Roast zucchini in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip the slices and continue roasting until tender and browned, about 10 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add orzo and vegetable bouillon; cook until orzo is tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan and cook onion until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in pesto sauce. Cut zucchini rounds into 4 pieces and add to the frying pan. Add cooked orzo, stirring until it absorbs the pesto sauce. Add cherry tomatoes last; stir for about 30 seconds. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535.6 calories, Carbohydrate 47.9 g, Cholesterol 12.2 mg, Fat 32.8 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 334.6 mg, Sugar 5.6 g

MUSHROOM AND PEA ORZOTTO



Mushroom and Pea Orzotto image

A different take on risotto that uses orzo in place of arborio rice! Top with additional Pecorino-Romano before serving, if desired.

Provided by Kim

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 ½ cups orzo
½ cup dry white wine
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, or to taste
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook 1 minute, stirring often. Add orzo and cook until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour in wine and cook until mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes more.
  • Pour chicken broth into the pot gradually and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook until orzo is softened, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Uncover the pot and stir in frozen peas. Cook until peas are warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove pot from heat, add Pecorino-Romano cheese and cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 556.9 calories, Carbohydrate 71.6 g, Cholesterol 38.9 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 379.5 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI & PESTO (ORZO RISOTTO)



Orzotto With Zucchini & Pesto (Orzo Risotto) image

This creamy,golden, and delicious dish is from acclaimed Italian chef Cesare Casella. He serves it at his restaurant, Salumeria Rosi, on the Upper West Side. Orzo is easier to work with than rice. You can cook it 3/4 of the way and hold it, chilled, in the refrigerator and add the last half cup of broth and half cup of water the next day." Recipe was printed in the New York Times.

Provided by blucoat

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
1/2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
2 teaspoons grated pecorino romano cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper
chili flakes
2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup white wine
salt
1/3 cup diced zucchini, generous
1/3 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside.
  • For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt.
  • Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm.
  • In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.8, Fat 23.1, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 5.7, Sodium 140.1, Carbohydrate 34.7, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 1.8, Protein 9

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO



Orzotto With Zucchini and Pesto image

Provided by Elaine Louie

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, soups and stews, appetizer

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon pine nuts, optional
1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 teaspoons grated Pecorino Romano
Salt
freshly ground black pepper
Chili flakes
2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1 cup orzo
1/2 cup white wine
Salt
1/3 cup diced zucchini, generous
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside.
  • For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt.
  • Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm.
  • In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 370, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 552 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

ORZO WITH ZUCCHINI



Orzo with Zucchini image

Orzo is paired with herby zucchini and crumbled feta for a meal or side that's great warm or at room temperature.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 6-8

Number Of Ingredients 8

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups orzo
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 scallions (white and green parts kept separate), chopped
2 zucchini, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Stir in the orzo and cook according to package directions for al dente; drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallion whites and zucchini; cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the orzo, scallion greens, parsley, mint and 1 cup water. Simmer, uncovered, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the feta.

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO



ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO image

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

FOR THE PESTO:
1 tablespoon pine nuts, optional
1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 teaspoons grated Pecorino Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chili flakes
For the orzotto:
2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1 cup orzo
1/2 cup white wine
Salt
1/3 cup diced zucchini, generous
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Steps:

  • 1. For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside. 2. For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt. 3. Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm. 4. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your orzotto. Look for organic or locally grown vegetables, and use a good quality pesto.
  • Cook the orzo al dente: Orzo should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the orzo, be sure to use a large enough pan so that the orzo has plenty of room to move around. Overcrowding the pan will prevent the orzo from cooking evenly.
  • Add the pesto at the end: Pesto is a delicate sauce, and it can easily be overwhelmed by other flavors. Add it to the orzotto just before serving, and stir gently to combine.
  • Season to taste: Before serving, taste the orzotto and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Orzotto with zucchini and pesto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes. With its fresh, summery flavors, this orzotto is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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