Cheesy Vegetable Orzo is a quick, easy, economical side dish that will convert even your worst vegetable-haters into zucchini-eaters.
I love this orzo recipe! It's fast and easy to make, extremely economical, and it goes with practically anything.
Cheesy Vegetable Orzo isn't a fancy recipe, or one that will impress your friends with its exotic flavor profile. No, this simple orzo side dish is more along the lines of …"I just got home from work and I'm tired and I need a quick and easy side dish to go with this leftover chicken. Preferably something I can make from pantry and fridge staples, because I'm not going out there again today!
Every time I make Cheesy Vegetable Orzo, this little eye-roller happens at the dinner table:
"Is that rice?"
"No - it's orzo. Orzo is rice-shaped pasta."
Every single time.
This vegetable orzo recipe came to me many years ago by way of my friend Val, and it has become a staple on our table ever since. You can make it with fresh basil (fresh is always best) but dried basil works fine, too.
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Cheesy Vegetable Orzo
Equipment
- 1 Grater
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium non-stick saucepan, saute onion in olive oil until soft (about three minutes). Add garlic and saute one minute more.
- Add broth, grated carrots, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. (Add dried basil at this time if you aren't using fresh.)
- Add orzo. Cover, reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat; stir in zucchini, cheese, and fresh basil if you are using it. Cover and let stand 2 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
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This post was originally published August 22, 2013
LB says
Loved this with own personal preference tweaking. You really can’t go wrong with this dish. Toddler approved - I feel like that says a lot in and of itself haha!
Renée says
So happy that it met your toddlers high standards! Recipes on that list are gold! (The struggle is real.) 😉
Jenni LeBaron says
What a gorgeous dish! This will be perfect for our Meatless Mondays and I love that this is packed full of veggies!
Emily says
This really looks good. I enjoy the texture and flavor of orzo.
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says
Now THIS sounds amazing. I'm always trying to sneak in more veggies on my unsuspecting family, and masking the zucchini in pasta and cheddar sounds perfect.
Renée ♥ says
If you peel the zuke first, the kids won't even know it's there!
Scarlet says
I love orzo and those veggie flowers are such a cute addition. My kids are gonna love those!
Veena Azmanov says
Looks delicious and cheese is my all time favorite too. I am making it for sure.
Paula Montenegro says
Such a great way to use orzo! I love it and love this idea of zucchini and cheese. The rice comment never fails to appear, haha! Thanks for sharing.
Chris Collins says
I love orzo so much! Definitely trying this out on my next Meat Free Monday 🙂
Renée ♥ says
Enjoy! ?
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Now this looks like a side dish I definitely need to try! I struggle to get the family to eat zucchini sometimes so this may get them eating it.
Renée ♥ says
If you peel the zucchini before you shred it, no one will even know it's there!
Tonje says
This was delicious! Will be making it again for sure.
Amber Myers says
I tend to love all things with cheese. I am excited to try this out. It looks spectacular.
Shayla says
I have most of these ingredients, I think I'll make some of this tonight! It looks fantastic.