Best 10 Orzo With Summer Squash And Pesto Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto recipe. This delightful dish combines the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh summer squash with the nutty richness of pesto and the hearty texture of orzo pasta. The result is a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise.

Our recipe collection offers three variations to suit your dietary preferences and culinary style. The classic Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto recipe is a vegetarian delight, while the Orzo with Summer Squash, Pesto, and Grilled Chicken recipe adds a protein-packed twist. For those with a passion for seafood, the Orzo with Summer Squash, Pesto, and Shrimp recipe will satisfy your cravings.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted with easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring success for home cooks of all skill levels. Detailed ingredient lists provide precise measurements and substitutions, accommodating various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, our Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto recipes are guaranteed to impress.

Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors and enticing aromas as you cook. The freshness of the summer squash pairs harmoniously with the nutty pesto, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses. The tender orzo pasta absorbs the delectable sauce, resulting in a satisfying bite that will leave you craving more.

As you savor each forkful, the bright flavors of the summer squash and pesto dance on your palate, complemented by the hearty texture of the orzo. The optional addition of grilled chicken or shrimp elevates the dish to a protein-rich feast, making it a perfect main course for lunch or dinner.

Our Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto recipes are not only delicious but also visually stunning. The vibrant hues of the summer squash, the emerald green of the pesto, and the golden color of the orzo create a feast for the eyes. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch that will make your dish Instagram-worthy.

Join us on this culinary adventure and explore the delightful flavors of our Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto recipes. From the classic vegetarian option to the protein-packed chicken and shrimp variations, there's a recipe for every taste and occasion. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this vibrant and flavorful dish.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

HEALTHY PESTO PASTA WITH VEGETABLES



Healthy Pesto Pasta With Vegetables image

Pesto pasta with vegetables is a simple, healthy side or main dish made with pasta, pesto, spinach, green beans and tomatoes. Packed with flavor and ready in 20 minutes.

Provided by Cheryl

Categories     main     sides

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup orzo
large handful green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
3 cup baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped
10 cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
3 tablespoon pesto, bought or homemade ((Note 1))
1 tablespoon olive oil ((or 2 tbsp))
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: splash of lemon or lime juice
Garnish: goat cheese and/or Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • BOIL ORZO AND GREEN BEANS: In a medium pot, bring water with a tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add orzo and boil for 5 minutes. Add green beans. Continue boiling for about 5 more minutes until orzo is soft and beans are tender, but both should still have a bit of 'bite' (al dente). Drain well, then add back to pot.
  • FINISH THE DISH: Add chopped spinach to orzo in pot and toss well until slightly wilted. Add tomatoes, pesto and enough oil to achieve the consistency you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste. And mix in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you like. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with goat cheese and/or Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 422 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, Calories 235 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

ORZO WITH PEAS AND PARSLEY PESTO



Orzo With Peas and Parsley Pesto image

This is like a pasta version of the classic rice and peas risotto, risi e bisi. It's a beautiful springtime dish. You can make a whole batch of pesto so that you have it on hand for other uses (like sandwiches), but for this dish you'll need only a half batch.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 garlic cloves, halved, green shoots removed
2 cups tightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
Salt to taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Freshly ground pepper
10 ounces (1 1/3 cups) orzo
1 1/2 cups fresh peas (about 1 3/4 pound in the shell)
Additional grated Parmesan or Pecorino for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the pesto. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the bowl. Alternatively, mash with a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle. Add the parsley to the food processor (or to the mortar and pestle) and process until finely chopped (or grind to a paste in the mortar and pestle). With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream and process until the mixture is smooth (or slowly work into the mixture using the mortar and pestle). Stop the machine, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the cheese. Pulse to combine. Measure out 1/3 cup and refrigerate the rest in a covered container.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook 5 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook for another 4 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through but al dente. Add a ladleful of the cooking water to the pesto, then drain the orzo and peas and toss with the pesto. Serve, passing more Parmesan or Pecorino in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 564, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 64 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 457 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

ROASTED VEGGIES WITH SPINACH PESTO ORZO RECIPE BY TASTY



Roasted Veggies With Spinach Pesto Orzo Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: broccolini, yellow squash, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, baby spinach, raw walnut, lemon zest, garlic, fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, uncooked orzo pasta

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 oz broccolini, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 oz yellow squash, seeded and cut into ½-inch wide half moons
12 oz red onion, cut into ½-inch wide slices
½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 oz baby spinach
¼ cup raw walnut
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spread the broccolini, squash, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Roast the vegetables for 20 minutes, until the broccolini is beginning to crisp and the squash and onions are tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • While the vegetables are roasting, make the spinach pesto: In a food processor, combine the spinach, walnuts, lemon zest, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. With the processor running, slowly stream in the remaining ½ cup of olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, thick, and spreadable consistency.
  • Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
  • Add ¾ cup of the pesto to the warm orzo and toss to coat. Mix in the roasted vegetables and more pesto to taste.
  • Serve warm or chilled.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 353 calories, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 7 grams, Sugar 5 grams

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

SQUASH AND ORZO SALAD



Squash and Orzo Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield Yield:

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Saute zucchini, yellow squash and scallions in olive oil until tender. Toss with cooked orzo, parsley, dill, goat cheese, salt and pepper.
  • See all 50 Simple Salads

ORZO WITH SUMMER SQUASH AND PESTO



Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto image

There's still plenty of summer squash in the market. I like to dice it small for this dish, cook it with a little garlic and marjoram or mint and toss it with orzo, a pasta that looks like rice but tastes and feels like pasta. I love the textures of the two, and the pesto completes the dish. Make sure to dice the squash small so the pieces aren't much bigger than the grains of orzo.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 30m

Yield Serves 4 to 5

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 pounds zucchini or other summer squash, cut in 1/4-inch dice (about 4 cups)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram or mint
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
10 ounces (1 1/3 cups) orzo
1/3 cup basil or basil-mint pesto (1/2 batch)
Additional grated Parmesan or pecorino for serving

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo and salt generously. Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, and add summer squash. Turn heat up to medium high and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in marjoram or mint and season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
  • When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add orzo. Cook 9 minutes, until al dente. Stir 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cooking water into the pesto, then drain orzo and toss with squash. Heat through, add pesto, toss again and serve, passing more Parmesan or pecorino in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 319, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 500 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

SHRIMP ORZO PESTO



Shrimp Orzo Pesto image

This is one of my finest creations, made much easier by the frozen pre-cooked shrimp!

Provided by M. Kertello

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 25m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces orzo pasta
1 tablespoon pesto, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 cups frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
½ cup diced red bell pepper
1 teaspoon capers
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; mix 2 teaspoons pesto and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil into orzo.
  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet; cook and stir shrimp, red bell pepper, and capers in hot oil until shrimp is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir remaining 1 teaspoon pesto, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into shrimp mixture; cook and stir until combined, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Mix orzo into shrimp mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 585.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.9 g, Cholesterol 173.9 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 366 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

ORZO WITH SUMMER SQUASH AND TOASTED HAZELNUTS



Orzo with Summer Squash and Toasted Hazelnuts image

Categories     Nut     Pasta     Vegetable     Side     Sauté     Vegetarian     Summer     Hazelnut     Yellow Squash     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups orzo (10 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped shallot (6 1/2 ounces)
2 medium zucchini (1 1/2 pound total), cut into 1/3-inch dice
2 medium yellow squash (1 pound total), cut into 1/3-inch dice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup hazelnuts (4 ounces), toasted , loose skins rubbed off in a kitchen towel, and nuts coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest

Steps:

  • Cook orzo in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain orzo in a colander.
  • While orzo is cooking, heat butter and oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallot, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini, yellow squash, salt, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in nuts, parsley, basil, and zest.
  • Add cooked orzo to skillet and stir gently. If mixture seems dry, moisten with some reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BROWN-BUTTER ORZO WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH



Brown-Butter Orzo With Butternut Squash image

In this autumnal one-pot meal, rice-shaped orzo is cooked with stock and butternut squash until it's tender and creamy, a little like risotto but without as much stirring. Brown butter, lemon zest and sage add depth of flavor, while red-pepper flakes give this zip and heat. An optional dollop of ricotta intensifies the creaminess but feel free to skip it for a lighter dish. This recipe also works well as a hearty side for roasted meats and fish.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     weekday, pastas, vegetables, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots (2 to 3), or use onion or leek
1 small (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (3 cups)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves, or 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary or marjoram, plus more for serving if you like
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
3 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 1/2 cup uncooked orzo
1 lemon, zested and halved
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta (optional)

Steps:

  • In a medium Dutch oven, or a large (12-inch) skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn't burn.)
  • Stir in shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add squash, sage, a large pinch of salt, the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and the 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and cook until squash is golden at the edges and begins to soften, 12 to 17 minutes.
  • Add stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and the 1 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 14 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the pan dries out before the orzo and squash are tender, add a splash or two of water.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in Parmesan. Taste and add more salt if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice if the dish needs brightness. Dollop with ricotta if using, and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and black pepper just before serving, garnishing the top with more red-pepper flakes and sage.

ORZO WITH GRILLED SHRIMP, SUMMER VEGETABLES, AND PESTO VINAIGRETTE



Orzo with Grilled Shrimp, Summer Vegetables, and Pesto Vinaigrette image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable     Side     Picnic     Shrimp     Summer     Chill     Orzo

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces orzo (about 1 1/3cups)
6 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 medium zucchini or summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 9 ounces total)
1 red or yellow bell pepper, quartered
3 tablespoons favorite pesto
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 large heirloom tomatoes, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Special equipment: Gas or charcoal grill

Steps:

  • Cook the orzo in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon oil.
  • Prepare the grill to medium-high heat. Whisk 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the zucchini and bell pepper with the oil mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk the pesto, lime juice, remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar in a small bowl for the pesto vinaigrette. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons pesto vinaigrette; toss to coat.
  • Grill the zucchini and bell pepper until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes per side for zucchini and 4 minutes per side for bell pepper. Transfer to work surface.
  • Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper; then grill until charred and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place the shrimp in the bowl with the orzo. Chop the zucchini and bell pepper; add to the bowl with the orzo. Add the remaining vinaigrette, the tomatoes, sliced basil, and mozzarella; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish shrimp with basil sprigs and serve cold or at room temperature.
  • DO AHEAD
  • The ORZO can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; chill.

Tips:

  • Choose the right orzo: Look for a small, pasta shape that will hold the sauce well.
  • Cook the orzo al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Use fresh summer squash: This will give the dish a bright, flavorful taste.
  • Make your own pesto: It's easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought pesto.
  • Add some protein: such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make a more complete meal.
  • Serve immediately: Orzo with summer squash and pesto is best when served fresh.

Conclusion:

Orzo with summer squash and pesto is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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