Craving a dinner that ticks all the boxes? Look no further! My Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is your new go-to for weeknight meals. It’s ridiculously quick to make (we’re talking under 30 minutes!), packed with healthy vegetables, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Honestly, after a long day, this is exactly what I want – something that feels both nourishing and delicious without requiring hours in the kitchen. Are you ready to get started?
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a memory. I first discovered this dish while traveling through Tuscany several years ago. We were staying at a small, family-run agriturismo, and the Nonna there made a simple but unforgettable orzo dish with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. I was so inspired by its simplicity and vibrant flavors. I brought that inspiration home and created this version of Best Orzo Dinner Recipe: a recipe that’s both delicious and comforting, bringing a touch of Italian sunshine to your table, no matter the weather.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender.
- Combine and simmer: Add diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine orzo and vegetables: Pour the cooked orzo into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Add cheese and basil: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and the most delicious Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is ready to be served! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil as desired. Enjoy!
Best Orzo Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup orzo pasta
- Sauté the vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender.1 red bell pepper, 1 zucchini
- Combine and simmer: Add diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- Combine orzo and vegetables: Pour the cooked orzo into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.1 cup orzo pasta
- Add cheese and basil: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and the most delicious Best Orzo Dinner Recipe is ready to be served! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil as desired. Enjoy!Salt and pepper
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