Description
Roasted Vegetable Orzo brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your kitchen table. Packed with colorful veggies and hearty pasta, this simple dish delivers a satisfying meal that connects you to Mediterranean comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Seasoning:
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Fresh basil
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Chop 1 zucchini, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and slice ½ red onion into uniform pieces.
- Toss the 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and chopped vegetables with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Spread the vegetable mixture across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes, using a spatula to stir them halfway through cooking time for consistent caramelization.
- While vegetables roast, cook 1 cup dry orzo pasta in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain completely.
- Transfer the cooked orzo to a large serving bowl and mix in the roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the pasta and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- Optional: Garnish with crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Roast the vegetables at a high temperature to caramelize edges and concentrate flavors, which creates deeper taste and texture.
- Ensure vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and develop consistent caramelization.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley when possible, as they add brightness and fresh flavor that dried herbs cannot match.
- For a protein boost, add crumbled feta, grilled chicken, or chickpeas to transform this dish from side to main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg