Creamy Orzo with Zucchini

This 15 minute Creamy Orzo with Zucchini recipe makes the perfect side dish or base for your meal! Add your favourite protein like grilled chicken or shrimp and you have a delicious and quick dinner on the table in just 15 minutes!

I love an easy, delicious side dish and this is exactly that. Creamy in texture, chock full of zucchini (easily one of my favourite veggies), and full of flavour. This recipe has become one of my favourites to make, not only because it is absolutely delicious, but also because it is so darn easy!

Just 15 minutes is required for this dish and this simple recipe can be whipped up with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

It is a great way to incorporate more veggies in your meal in a way even picky eaters will enjoy. Sure you can see the zucchini, but when it tastes this good, even my husband who dislikes the texture of zucchini enjoys it. Pro tip: If you have super picky eaters, you can also try peeling your zucchini which makes it easier to hide in the dish once you’ve removed the deep green skin.

This orzo dish is almost like a risotto with its creamy texture. It has all the texture of a risotto (my favourite part) but without all of the stirring and time. Instead, orzo is used and since this tiny, rice-shaped pasta doesn’t require a long cook time, it means this creamy dish can be made in a fraction of the time.

While the orzo cooks up, the sauce is prepped and then its just a matter of stirring ingredients together! So easy! So what are we waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients in Creamy Orzo with Zucchini

• zucchini
• orzo
• butter
• flour
• milk
• dried basil
• paprika
• salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese

How to make Creamy Orzo with Zucchini

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to package directions.
   
   
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk them together for a couple of minutes to create a roux.
   
   
3. Add the milk to the roux and whisk it until the sauce begins to thicken. Then add the dried basil, paprika, salt and pepper. Once incorporated, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
   
   
4. Add the drained orzo and shredded zucchini to the sauce and continue to stir over medium heat for a few minutes. If you want to soften your shredded zucchini more, you can cook for a few more minutes, adding more milk if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve.

Storing leftovers and reheating

Once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge.

To reheat them, place the creamy orzo into a saucepan or skillet and add a little water or milk to replace some of the moisture that was lost while refrigerating. How much water or milk you add will depend on how much orzo you are reheating. You can start by adding a couple tablespoons of liquid and then add more if it is needed as you warm the orzo. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir often until the orzo is heated through.

What to serve with Creamy Orzo with Zucchini

This recipe makes a great side dish for your main meals or can be served as a main course, topped with some grilled chicken or shrimp. Some of my favourite recipes to make alongside it are:

Chicken recipes:

• Crispy Chicken Cutlets
• Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
• Chicken Kofta Kebabs
• Baked Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

Beef & Pork recipes:

• Baked Breaded Pork Chops
• Pork Schnitzel
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Steak
• Greek Meatballs

Shrimp & Seafood recipes:

• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Almond Crusted Salmon
• Baked Herb Butter Salmon
• Panko Crusted Fish

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

-Cathy

You may also like these other zucchini recipes:

Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
Creamy Zucchini Soup
Blueberry Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini Bread