One Pot Orzo Primavera
Creamy orzo pasta with fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce - the perfect easy dinner recipe.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- knife
- cutting board
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 1 medium yellow squash halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced zucchini, and sliced yellow squash to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables just begin to soften.
- Stir in the 1 cup of orzo pasta, ensuring it is coated in the oil and toasted for about 1 minute. Pour in the 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth and the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Add the optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the halved cherry tomatoes until the cheese is melted and creamy. Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat; it will thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Just before serving, fold in the fresh basil. Garnish each bowl with additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Let the dish sit off the heat to thicken slightly before serving.