Best 9 Orzotto With Zucchini Pesto Orzo Risotto Recipes

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**Orzotto with Zucchini Pesto: A Delightful Fusion of Italian Flavors**

Orzotto, a delectable dish that draws inspiration from both risotto and orzo pasta, offers a unique culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Hailing from the vibrant region of Italy, this dish showcases the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the vibrant green zucchini pesto to the plump and tender orzo grains, each component of this dish contributes to its overall allure. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this article presents a collection of orzotto recipes that will guide you in creating this delectable dish. From classic variations to innovative twists, these recipes offer a diverse range of options to suit every taste and preference. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the world of orzotto, exploring the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish a true masterpiece.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY CHEESY ORZOTTO



Creamy Cheesy Orzotto image

Orzo is rice-shaped pasta. Ree's orzotto recipe treats the orzo as one would risotto rice to create an interesting blend of ingredients and ideas.

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 shallot, sliced thin
1 1/2 cups orzo
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup mascarpone
4 ounces goat cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
2 cups chopped kale
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat the broth in a small saucepan and keep warm.
  • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rosemary and shallot to the oil, then cook for a minute. Add the orzo, red pepper flakes and garlic and cook, stirring, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Deglaze with the wine and add the warm broth. Allow the broth to come to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the cream, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and kale. Cook until the kale wilts and the sauce is thick and creamy, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with the parsley and serve.

VERY GREEN ORZOTTO



Very Green Orzotto image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 green onions sliced, green and white parts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
2 cups orzo
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warm
1/2 pound skinny asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 bunch broccolini, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium zucchini, trimmed, quartered and cut into 2-inch batons
5 ounces frozen green peas
1/2 cup julienned kale (ribs removed)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, then add the green onions and saute until softened, about a minute. Add the garlic and chile flakes and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Add the orzo, salt and pepper to the pan and toss to coat the grains, a minute or two. Add the warmed broth and gently stir. Allow the broth to come to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the asparagus, broccolini, zucchini and peas. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the kale, Parmesan and lemon zest and give it a good stir, then allow to cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Add the herbs and stir to combine. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan and additional herbs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips:

  • Choose the right orzo: Use a good quality orzo pasta that is made from durum wheat. This will give the orzotto a better texture and flavor.
  • Toast the orzo: Toasting the orzo before cooking it will help to bring out its nutty flavor. You can do this in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes.
  • Use a flavorful stock: The stock you use to make the orzotto will have a big impact on the final flavor of the dish. Use a good quality stock that is made from vegetables, chicken, or beef.
  • Add vegetables and herbs: Vegetables and herbs can add a lot of flavor and texture to orzotto. Some good options include zucchini, peas, carrots, celery, and onion. You can also add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme.
  • Cook the orzotto slowly: Orzotto should be cooked slowly over low heat so that the orzo has time to absorb the liquid and flavors. Stir the orzotto frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
  • Finish with cheese and butter: Once the orzotto is cooked, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese and a knob of butter. This will help to make the orzotto creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Orzotto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs, and it is also a good option for vegetarians and vegans. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make a delicious orzotto that will impress your friends and family.

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