Lemon Zucchini Orzo Delight
Brighten your dinner table with this invigorating Lemon Zucchini Orzo Delight! Packed with fresh garden veggies, this dish is a cheerful blend of vibrant flavors that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Made with tender orzo pasta simmered to perfection with shredded zucchini and carrots, then enhanced with a zesty burst of lemon and fragrant thyme, this recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the senses. It's a simple yet scrumptious way to use up that summer bounty from the garden. Best of all? It received a hearty thumbs-up from my 6-year-old, who declared it an instant favorite. Serve it as a light main dish or a flavorful side, and watch your family ask for seconds!
4
Servings
125
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
orzo pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
zucchini
1 medium (shredded)
carrots
2 medium (shredded)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
vegetable broth
14 ounces (chicken broth also works)
lemon
1 (zest only)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the uncooked orzo pasta and sauté for about 2 minutes until the grains start to turn a light golden-brown color.
2
Add the crushed garlic, shredded zucchini, and carrots to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the lemon zest and chopped thyme. Stir well to combine and increase the heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Remove the pot from the heat and fluff the orzo with a fork. Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Zucchini Orzo Delight?
It is a bright and invigorating dish featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with shredded zucchini, carrots, and a zesty burst of lemon and thyme.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 125 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, the recipe notes that chicken broth also works well as a substitute for vegetable broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How much orzo pasta is required?
You will need 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What preparation is needed for the zucchini?
One medium zucchini should be shredded before adding it to the pot.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 medium carrots, which should be shredded.
How long should the orzo simmer?
The orzo should simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and it is tender.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly and was specifically approved by a 6-year-old.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 3.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 3.75g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 18.75g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
One serving provides 1.25g of fiber.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be crushed before being sautéed.
What type of oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What part of the lemon is included in the dish?
The recipe specifically uses the zest of one lemon.
How much fresh thyme is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
What is the topping for the finished dish?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Why is the orzo sautéed before adding liquid?
Sautéing the orzo for 2 minutes helps the grains turn light golden-brown and adds a layer of flavor.
How much vegetable broth is used?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of vegetable broth.
Is this a good recipe for using garden produce?
Yes, it is a great way to use summer bounty like zucchini and carrots from the garden.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as either a light main dish or a flavorful side.
What should I do once the orzo is cooked?
Remove the pot from heat and fluff the orzo with a fork before serving.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include lemon orzo, zucchini recipe, vegetarian, healthy dinner, and quick and easy.
Is there any sodium information available?
Sodium information is not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
The primary category is Vegetable.
Is this recipe considered a spring dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a spring dish and fits the style of a pasta primavera.