Vegetarian Lime Orzo

Satisfy your favorite vegetarians with this hearty, stove-top orzo pasta dish that combines shredded zucchini and carrots with stewed tomatoes and green onions. Flavored with Italian seasonings, fresh herbs, and a hit of lime juice and zest, it's a thumbs-up winner.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 17 mins
• Total Time: 52 mins
• Calories: 535 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 zucchini, peeled and shredded
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• 0.25 cup chopped green onions

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and orzo pasta; cook and stir until pasta turns a light, golden color, about 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini and carrots; cook until vegetables soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Stir in the green onions, parsley, lime zest, and lime juice. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.