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If you're looking for a dish that perfectly combines comfort, creaminess, and nutrition, look no further than Orzo Delight with Roasted Veggies. This delightful recipe features orzo pasta, a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks to a tender perfection, making it an ideal base for a variety of toppings and sauces. Orzo Delight is not only satisfying, but it also caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegan alternatives that ensure no one misses out on this delicious meal. With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a gathering with friends.

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Veggies

Discover the deliciousness of Orzo Delight with Roasted Veggies, a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. This recipe features tender orzo pasta topped with colorful roasted vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal suitable for everyone, including vegan options. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Elevate your cooking game and enjoy a wholesome dish bursting with flavor and vibrancy!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 medium zucchini, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small red onion, diced

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup heavy cream (or a vegan alternative like coconut cream)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting.

    Prepare and Roast the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, combine the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables, then generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Toss everything together to coat well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed on the baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and have a light caramelized edge, stirring halfway through for even roasting.

      Cook the Orzo: Meanwhile, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Cook according to the package instructions until the orzo is al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

        Create a Creamy Base: After the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth if needed—leave a little for extra moisture if you like a creamier texture. Return the orzo to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well over low heat until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

          Combine and Heat Thoroughly: Gently fold the roasted vegetables into the creamy orzo mixture, being careful not to mash the vegetables. Allow the entire mix to simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes, just long enough to meld the flavors together and warm everything through.

            Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy orzo on plates or in bowls, topping each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delightful dish immediately for the best flavor experience!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

                Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, consider serving in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before garnishing with basil. A few whole cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of oregano can also add a nice touch!