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A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

5 from 8 reviews

Roasted Vegetable Orzo is a flavorful and wholesome dish combining tender roasted zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Enhanced with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and optional cheese toppings like feta or parmesan, this recipe offers a vibrant, nutritious meal ideal for lunch or dinner, served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • Salted water, for boiling

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: crumbled feta, grated parmesan, or chopped basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  2. Roast the vegetables: Toss the diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are caramelized and tender.
  3. Cook the orzo: While the vegetables roast, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked orzo with the roasted vegetables. Add the lemon juice and fresh parsley, tossing carefully to combine all the flavors evenly.
  5. Add optional cheese and serve: If desired, fold in crumbled feta or grated parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the roasted vegetable orzo warm or chilled, according to preference.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried Italian herbs with a mix of oregano and thyme for similar flavor.
  • For a vegan option, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • To add protein, consider including chickpeas or grilled chicken.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Warming leftovers slightly in a skillet with a splash of olive oil can refresh the dish’s flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted vegetable orzo, orzo pasta, roasted vegetables recipe, Mediterranean pasta, vegetarian dinner, healthy orzo dish, easy pasta recipe