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Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

[heart_this] · Aug 22, 2024 · 2 Comments

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

A summery fresh pasta with zucchini, corn and plenty of basil pesto topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella!

Grocery stores are filled with summer produce and this pasta is a great way to enjoy some zucchini and corn with a tasty homemade basil pesto! This is a super simple one-pan recipe that starts with onions and garlic before adding the orzo (pasta), broth, chickpeas, and zucchini and simmering until the pasta is cooked. Fresh corn, basil pesto and parmesan are mixed in before serving topped with fresh diced tomatoes and mozzarella and basil!

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo
Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

Zucchini and Corn Pesto Orzo

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

A summery fresh pasta with zucchini, corn and plenty of basil pesto topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella!

ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth (link) (or vegetable broth (link))
  • 1 cup orzo (or other pasta), rinsed (gluten-free for gluten-free)
  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans, from 1/2 cup dry)
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen (optional)
  • 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (link)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup tomato, diced (optional)
  • 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced
directions
  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook until tender, about a minute.
  3. Add the broth, orzo, chickpeas, and zucchini, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the orzo is cooked, about 8 minutes.
  4. Mix in the corn, parmesan, and pesto, before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve topped with the diced tomatoes, mozzarella, and sliced basil!
Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Option: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and/or 1 teaspoon lemon zest, at the end.
Option: Recplace the fresh mozzarella with burrata.
Option: Garnish with parmesan to taste.
Option: Garnish with 2 green onions, thinly sliced.
Option: Garnish with 2 tablespoons mint, chopped.
Nutrition Facts: Calories 345, Fat 18g (Saturated 5g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 23mg, Sodium 672mg, Carbs 44g (Fiber 7g, Sugars 9g), Protein 19g

Nutrition by: Nutritional facts powered by Edamam
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20 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Food, Gluten-free, Main Course, One-Pan, One-Pot, Pasta, Recipe, Vegetable, Vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne says

    August 22, 2024 at 7:52 pm

    This looks and sounds YUMMY!

    Reply
  2. Nancy says

    August 18, 2025 at 1:46 pm

    I made this recipe to go with some baked chicken and we enjoyed it very much. The recipe comes together quickly and I had all ingredients on hand. I did cook this dish a bit longer so the zucchini would be tender enough. I topped the dish with chopped tomato as suggested.

    Reply

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About Me

Kevin: I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.
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