Roasted Vegetable Orzo
A delightful dish combining colorful vegetables and hearty orzo pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Dry Orzo Pasta Substitute with gluten-free orzo, rice, quinoa, or lentils if needed.
- 1 medium Zucchini Can be substituted with eggplant or yellow squash.
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Use yellow or green bell peppers for a variation.
- 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Can be replaced with more red bell pepper.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Consider using regular chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for added taste.
- 1 small Red Onion Yellow onion can be used for a sweeter profile.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can offer a different profile.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs Use oregano or thyme as alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to your taste preferences.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to your taste preferences.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Vinegar can work as an alternative for acidity.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Substitute with basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous note.
- 1/2 cup Optional Cheese (Feta/Parmesan) Omit for a vegan option or use dairy-free cheese as a substitute.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
- On a large baking sheet, combine the chopped vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with the roasted vegetables. Add lemon juice and fresh parsley. If using, stir in the cheese.
Serving
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking. Mix and match vegetables based on availability or season. For added flavor, roast garlic cloves alongside the vegetables. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.