Garden Fresh Orzo Delight
This vibrant Garden Fresh Orzo Delight is a beloved family recipe that has been passed down through generations. The combination of tender orzo pasta, fresh garden vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a dish bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side dish, a delightful snack, or a centerpiece at your next potluck or picnic, this recipe is versatile and simply irresistible. With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as well!
4-6
Servings
58
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
4 1/2 cups (preferably low-sodium)
uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup (no preparation needed)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
red bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
green bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
carrot
1 large (diced)
zucchini
1 large (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons (grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a rolling boil.
2
Add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
3
While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4
Add the diced red and green bell peppers, diced carrot, diced zucchini, minced garlic, and the pepper and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5
Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth if necessary and transfer the orzo to a large serving bowl.
7
Gently fold in the sautéed vegetable mixture with the orzo until well combined.
8
If desired, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
9
For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
9g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Orzo Delight?
Garden Fresh Orzo Delight is a vibrant and healthy pasta dish made with tender orzo, fresh garden vegetables like zucchini and peppers, and aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
Can this orzo recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this a completely vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in one serving of Garden Fresh Orzo Delight?
Each serving contains approximately 58 calories.
How long does it take to cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo should be cooked in boiling broth for about 8-10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and garlic.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe is very low in fat, containing only 1g of fat per serving.
Is there a lot of protein in this recipe?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving in this orzo dish.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
Each serving provides 9g of carbohydrates and 1g of dietary fiber.
What kind of broth is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The 2 cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the skillet.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese are optional and can be used as a garnish if desired.
What type of oil should be used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What seasonings are used in Garden Fresh Orzo Delight?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of thyme.
How should the peppers, carrots, and zucchini be prepared?
All these vegetables should be diced into small pieces for even cooking and a consistent texture.
Is this a good dish for a picnic or potluck?
Yes, its colorful presentation and versatility make it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Do I need to drain the orzo after cooking it?
Once the orzo is cooked, you should drain any excess broth if necessary before mixing it with the vegetables.
How much orzo is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
Sauté the diced vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp, then cook for another 4 minutes after adding more broth.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
Is there cholesterol in Garden Fresh Orzo Delight?
The nutritional data shows that this recipe contains no cholesterol.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, fresh thyme can be used to provide an aromatic herbal flavor to the dish.
What is the primary cooking method used in this recipe?
The recipe involves boiling the pasta and sautéing the vegetables in a skillet.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, it is tagged as 'quick and easy' and is designed for simple home preparation.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include orzo, vegetable medley, pasta dish, healthy side, vegetarian option, and family recipe.
How is the final dish assembled?
The cooked and drained orzo is transferred to a bowl, and the sautéed vegetable mixture is gently folded in until well combined.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the entire recipe yields 4-6 servings.
Is the sodium content high in this dish?
While the specific sodium count isn't listed, the recipe recommends using low-sodium chicken broth to keep salt levels in check.
What makes this dish look colorful?
The combination of red and green bell peppers, orange carrots, and green zucchini creates a vibrant and colorful presentation.
Can I use other types of pasta if I don't have orzo?
While orzo is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells if necessary.