Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta with Colorful Sautéed Vegetables
This vibrant Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed both warm and chilled, making it the perfect versatile addition to your meal repertoire. With its lively mix of sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon finish, this dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Light yet satisfying, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or any roasted meats, making it an excellent side dish or a flavorful main course for a light lunch. Plus, the addition of parmesan cheese adds a lovely creaminess that ties the dish together beautifully.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
2 cups
canned chicken broth
4 cups
large onion
1 (finely diced)
celery ribs
2 (finely diced)
green pepper
1/2 (finely diced)
yellow pepper
1/2 (finely diced)
zucchini
1 (diced)
white mushrooms
8 (sliced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
olive oil
4 tablespoons
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (freshly grated)
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
sea salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
herbes de provence
1 teaspoon
reserved pasta water
1/4 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta with Colorful Sautéed Vegetables?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring orzo, a variety of sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon finish.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is categorized as a meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can this orzo pasta be served cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed both warm and chilled, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes onion, celery, green and yellow peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
It can be made vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that works well in salads, soups, and side dishes.
Can I use something other than chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even salted water, though broth adds more depth of flavor.
What main dishes pair well with this orzo pasta?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or various roasted meats.
What is the purpose of adding parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese adds a lovely creaminess and saltiness that ties the flavors of the dish together.
How much orzo is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of orzo pasta.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion, celery, and peppers should be finely diced; the zucchini should be diced, and the mushrooms should be sliced.
What herbs provide the flavor in this dish?
The primary seasoning comes from Herbes de Provence, sea salt, and black pepper.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water contains starch which helps create a light sauce and helps the ingredients bind to the pasta.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is considered healthy as it is packed with various vegetables and uses olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I substitute the peppers with other colors?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper, such as red or orange, depending on what you have available.
What is the role of the lemon in this recipe?
The lemon juice and zest provide a zesty acidity that brightens the entire dish.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Absolutely, adding grilled shrimp or sliced chicken breast would make it a more substantial main course.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the dish.
Is the parmesan cheese fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What kind of salt is best for this pasta?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served cold, it is an excellent dish for meal prep or making in advance for parties.
What is Herbes de Provence?
It is a mixture of dried herbs typical of the Provence region of southeast France, usually containing savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its satisfying pasta base and creamy cheese finish.
How many mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 sliced white mushrooms.
Can I use dried lemon peel instead of fresh zest?
While fresh is preferred for flavor, dried lemon peel can work in a pinch, though the taste may be less vibrant.
What makes this pasta 'colorful'?
The combination of green peppers, yellow peppers, red cherry tomatoes, and green zucchini creates a beautiful, colorful presentation.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.