Description
Mediterranean-inspired summer Healthy Feta Zucchini Orzo delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese and garden-fresh zucchini. Delightful one-pot pasta promises quick nutrition and delicious comfort you’ll savor in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced or a large chopped shallot
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon, both zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Sauté diced onions until soft and translucent, then quickly add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Introduce uncooked orzo to the pan, coating it thoroughly in the infused oil. Gently toast the orzo until it develops a light golden color and nutty aroma.
- Add grated zucchini to the skillet and incorporate lemon juice, zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and milk, mixing thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- When orzo reaches tender consistency and liquid is mostly absorbed, remove from heat. Fold in crumbled feta and fresh dill, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and integrate with the dish.
- Enhance the final presentation by drizzling additional olive oil and optionally sprinkling chili flakes for a hint of heat. Serve immediately while warm, savoring the creamy, zesty flavors.
Notes
- Always grate zucchini fresh to maintain moisture and prevent watery texture, ensuring the dish stays creamy and flavorful.
- Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make this dish vegan-friendly and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Toast orzo carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, which can make the dish taste bitter and unpleasant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg