Best 5 Baked Orzo With Zucchini Recipes

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**Baked Orzo with Zucchini: A Delightful Summer Dish**

Baked orzo with zucchini is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer. This delectable one-pan meal combines tender orzo pasta, fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creamy cheese. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you in creating a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends. From the zesty tang of lemon to the comforting warmth of Parmesan cheese, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey that promises a satisfying and unforgettable meal. In addition to the classic baked orzo with zucchini, we'll also explore variations like a vegetarian version, a seafood-inspired rendition, and a delightful Greek-style orzo dish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a selection of recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this summer favorite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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.

ZUCCHINI AND GROUND BEEF ORZO CASSEROLE



Zucchini and Ground Beef Orzo Casserole image

Ground beef and zucchini make a great pairing is this surprisingly light casserole. There's enough creamy cheese and orzo pasta to make this taste indulgent, but the zucchini plays a role too, as it has a naturally buttery taste and silky texture, both of which are enhanced by baking. And if the pound of zucchini wasn't enough to meet your veggie quota, there's also a can of tomatoes and an onion, so this dinner is a guaranteed way to get your family to eat some nutritious ingredients! The combination of kitchen staples and easy prep make this a perfect weeknight meal, which can be served up in just over an hour!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta (3 oz)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 lb zucchini squash, cut in half lengthwise, cut in 1/8-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lb ground beef (at least 90% lean)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  • In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Cook squash, Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in oil 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash has started to soften but is still crisp-tender. Transfer to large bowl; stir together with orzo.
  • In same skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef, onion, garlic and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in oil 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain, and add to bowl with squash. Add crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme and pepper flakes; stir to combine. Spoon mixture into baking dish.
  • Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbling on edges and completely heated through. Top with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese; let stand 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize About 1 Cup, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

ROASTED VEGGIE ORZO



Roasted Veggie Orzo image

"My sister inspired this recipe. I added a few more spices, but the concept is hers. It's easy to vary, is a great way to add veggies to your diet and the olive oil is heart healthy."Jackie Termont - Richmond, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1-1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, halved
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Place vegetables in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasonings; toss to coat. Bake at 400° until tender, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions. Drain; transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in roasted vegetables. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BAKED ORZO WITH ZUCCHINI



Baked Orzo With Zucchini image

From Vegetarian Times-September 2002. This simple dish comes together in minutes and calls for a light soup or tossed green salad and hot Italian bread with olive oil for dunking. It also makes a great buffet party dish, as it can feed a group when served with other fare.

Provided by Dominick and Amanda

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups orzo
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 large leek, thinly sliced
2 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup chunky marinara sauce
salt, to taste
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
italian seasoning, to taste
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F Lightly oil heatproof baking dish.
  • Heat water in covered saucepan. When at a rapid boil, cook orzo until almost tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic, leeks and zucchini slices for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Drain orzo and place in baking dish. Stir in marinara sauce, salt and pepper and spice mix. Top with half the cheese.
  • Arrange zucchini and leek slices on top of orzo, and top with remaining mozzarella.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until mozzarella melts. During last 5 minutes, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

ONE-POT ORZO WITH TOMATOES, CORN AND ZUCCHINI



One-Pot Orzo With Tomatoes, Corn and Zucchini image

This recipe is inspired by the tail end of summer, when fresh produce and herbs abound but the heat waves are finally starting to relent. And while this dish makes a wonderful stage for the season's produce at its peak, it can also turn sad-looking February vegetables into a sauce that makes it feel like summer. The trick is to sauté the tomatoes slowly, until they've collapsed and become deeply sweet and fragrant. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, which cuts down on the dishes and allows the pasta to absorb the flavor as it cooks. If you prefer a larger pasta shape, stick to the traditional method of boiling pasta for best results, and save some pasta water to help loosen the sauce. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     pastas

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 Vidalia or yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Black pepper, to taste
1 medium zucchini (about 8 ounces), halved lengthwise, seeded and 1/2-inch diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup torn fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/4 cups orzo
Kernels from one ear of corn (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup torn or medium-diced fresh mozzarella (about 5 ounces)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet, for which you have a lid, set over medium. And the onions, lightly season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Turn the heat to medium-low, add the zucchini and garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the tomatoes, basil, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have completely collapsed, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the orzo, corn, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mix well, and turn the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan 3 or 4 times, until the pasta is cooked. The pasta should look "saucy" as it cooks; if at any point it looks dry, add another 1/4 cup water.
  • Off the heat, add the mozzarella and Parmesan and stir gently until just combined. Top with fresh basil and more red-pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables: Don't just stick to zucchini! Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
  • Choose the right cheese: The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. A sharp cheddar or Parmesan will give you a more robust flavor, while a mozzarella or ricotta will give you a more mild flavor.
  • Don't overcook the orzo: Orzo is a small pasta, so it cooks very quickly. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become mushy.
  • Add some herbs: Herbs can really brighten up the flavor of the dish. Try adding some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme.
  • Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad is a great way to round out the meal.

Conclusion:

Baked orzo with zucchini is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables! With a few simple tips, you can make this dish even better. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give baked orzo with zucchini a try. You won't be disappointed!

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