Orzo With Vegetables
Orzo with Vegetables: A Bright, Easy Weeknight Dish
If you’re craving a meal that’s light yet satisfying, look no further than orzo with vegetables. This colorful dish combines tender pasta, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs for a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a great way to turn simple pantry staples into something special — whether served warm as a main course or chilled as a side salad.
Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Start by boiling it until al dente, then toss it with sautéed vegetables. You can use almost any combination you have on hand — zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus all work beautifully. Add garlic and olive oil for depth, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, and a sprinkle of parmesan or feta for richness.
The beauty of orzo with vegetables lies in its flexibility. You can make it Mediterranean-style with olives and sun-dried tomatoes or keep it simple with garden-fresh vegetables and a touch of butter. For extra protein, stir in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
This dish also keeps well, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or picnic option. As it sits, the flavors meld together, creating an even tastier bite the next day.
In just about 30 minutes, you can have a beautiful, vibrant meal that feels both comforting and wholesome. It’s proof that a few simple ingredients — pasta, fresh vegetables, and olive oil — can create something truly satisfying. I served this with Instant Pot Chicken Legs https://meatsbeetsandbubbles.com/instant-pot-chicken-legs/
✨ Quick Tips:
- Cook orzo in salted water for extra flavor.
- Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with basil, parsley, or a drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
Orzo With Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cups orzo
- 2 carrots
- 2 Cups Broccoli florets
- 2 Cups Butternut squash-cooked
- 4 Stalks Celery
- 4 Cups Chicken broth
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Tsp Garlic-granulated
- Q Tbsp Olive oil
- Aalt and pepper to taste
- Parsley-chopped garnish
Instructions
- Chop onion, carrots and celery then add to a large skillet. Cook until softened.
- Add the broccoli, orzo and chicken stock. Cook for 15 minutes with lid on. Check to make sure the orzo is cooked.
- Stir in the butternut squash. Garnish with parsley and serve.