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Quick One-Skillet Summer Orzo with Zucchini and Feta

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A light, satisfying, and fast one-skillet meal featuring tender zucchini, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked orzo, ideal for warm weather dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (600 ml)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 g)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the zucchini into half-moons about ¼ inch thick. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Measure out orzo, broth, and crumbled feta.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add zucchini slices and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and get a light golden color. Add garlic in the last minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add dry orzo to the skillet with zucchini. Stir to coat the pasta in olive oil and mix with veggies. Toast orzo gently for about 2 minutes until slightly golden.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and raise heat to high to bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbled feta, lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Let the skillet sit off heat for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Toast the orzo before adding liquid to bring out nuttiness and prevent sticking. Adjust salt carefully due to feta’s saltiness. Let the dish rest off heat before serving for better flavor melding. Optional toppings include toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts. For vegan option, omit feta or substitute with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo, zucchini, feta, one-skillet, summer recipe, quick meal, vegetarian, easy dinner

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/quick-one-skillet-summer-orzo-with-zucchini-and-feta-easy-recipe-for-warm-weather-meals/