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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Provided by Elaine Louie
Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, soups and stews, appetizer
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
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 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
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
Yield 4 Servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
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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