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Summer Fresh Vegetable Orzo Pasta

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 Box Orzo Pasta
  • 2 tbsp Basil, chopped Reserve a pinch for garnish right before serving.
  • 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped Reserve a pinch for garnish right before serving.
  • 2 tbsp Thyme, chopped Reserve a pinch for garnish right before serving.
  • 3 Cups Tomatoes, cut in half lenghtwise You don't need to be exact with the tomatoes! Use 2 - 3 cups or 1 to 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes.
  • 2 Zucchini is quartered lengthwise and chopped into slices about 1/4 inch thick. I use two pretty large zucchini from the garden. If you only have smaller zucchini, use three.
  • 5 Ears of sweet corn, kernels removed.
  • 1/2 C Almond Milk Creamer If you are not dairy-free, substitute with half and half.
  • 1 C White Wine
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 tsp Garlic, chopped Divided
  • 1 Lemon, zested, and cut into quarters.
  • 4 tsp Butter
  • 4 tsp Olive Oil
  • 1 C Parmesan Cheese, grated Optional
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt Approximate, Divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp Pepper Approximate, Divided

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 425 degrees.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. This will take 8 - 10 minutes. Once boiling add a very generous pinch of salt and cook the orzo to al dente.
  • In a medium-sized cast-iron skillet or sheet tray, toss your tomatoes with 1 tsp olive oil and the garlic, and 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes, until the tomatoes start to release their juices.
  • While your tomatoes are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil, garlic, and 2 tbsp butter in a heavy-bottomed, deep pot (like a dutch oven). Add the corn and cook until bright yellow and slightly crisp on the edges. Season 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. This process will take about 10 minutes. 
  • Now, add in the zucchini with an additional pinch of salt and pepper. Let the zucchini cook for about 3 minutes just until it starts to soften (you do not want mushy zucchini).
  • Add in the white wine, remaining butter, herbs, crushed red pepper, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper and bring up to a bubble. While the sauce is bubbling, remove the tomatoes from the oven, adding them (plus their juices) to the pot. Allow this to combine and reduce for 5 - 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the al-dente orzo to the sauce with the creamer and parmesan cheese (if you are using it). Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to thicken for 5 - 8 minutes. Taste and season accordingly with salt and pepper.
  • Once thickened and ready to serve, garnish with the remaining herbs and lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips

As a side dish: Serve this pasta in a generous portion alongside a grilled burger, chicken, or fish. 
As the main course: Serve in heaping piles in large pasta bowls with a side of artisan bread.