Cheesy Vegetable Orzo

Cheesy Vegetable Orzo is a quick, easy, economical side dish that will convert even your worst vegetable-haters into zucchini-eaters.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings

Calories 116kcal

Author Renee

Equipment

1 Grater
1 medium saucepan

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
½ large large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup grated carrots
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup orzo uncooked
1 cup shredded zucchini
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
3 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil

US Customary - Metric

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

BROTH: If I use a commercially prepared vegetable broth, I omit the salt. If I use homemade broth, I dilute it dramatically so that the broth flavor doesn't overpower the other vegetables.

Nutrition