⏱️ Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Difficulty: Easy

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🥘 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh Herbs

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Optional Additions

• Baby spinach
• Sliced mushrooms
• Roasted red peppers
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Grilled chicken
• Cooked shrimp
• White beans or chickpeas

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a skillet.
• Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in zucchini and cook 4 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble

In the baking dish combine:

• Uncooked orzo
• Vegetable mixture
• Vegetable broth
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Mix well.

Step 4: Bake

• Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese

• Remove foil.
• Stir everything well.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.

Step 6: Finish Baking

Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish

Top with fresh basil and parsley before serving.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Greek salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon

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💡 Tips

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
• Don’t overcook the zucchini before baking.
• Stir halfway through baking if the orzo seems dry.
• Add extra broth if needed.
• Fresh basil should always be added after baking.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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🥄 Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions with a splash of broth.
• Or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

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🥜 Nut Information

Contains Nuts?

• ❌ No nuts are used in this recipe.

Tree Nut-Free?

• ✅ Yes, when prepared with nut-free ingredients.

Peanut-Free?

• ✅ Yes.

Cross-Contamination Note

• If serving someone with a severe nut allergy, verify that packaged ingredients (especially shredded cheese, broth, and seasonings) are produced in a nut-free facility.

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🌿 Dietary Information

• Vegetarian
• Nut-Free
• Peanut-Free
• Soy-Free (depending on broth and cheese)
• Egg-Free
• Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo
• Can be made vegan by using dairy-free cheese and vegetable broth

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🥗 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 335
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 520mg

Values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Yes. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, though baking time may vary.

Q2: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.

Q3: Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, or white beans are excellent additions.

Q4: Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Use well-drained diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

Q5: Why is my orzo still firm?
It may need a little more liquid or additional baking time. Add a splash of hot broth and continue baking for 5–10 minutes.

Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the Parmesan and mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Q7: What herbs pair best with this dish?
Fresh basil is ideal, but parsley, thyme, oregano, or dill also complement the flavors.

Q8: Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q9: How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Keep the dish covered during the initial bake and add a little extra broth when reheating if needed.

Q10: What can I serve with it?
A crisp salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or baked fish all pair beautifully with this baked orzo.