Description
This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the kitchen, and laughter echoed around the table. It’s a comforting, one-skillet meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Gather your loved ones and create new memories with this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
2 large zucchini (1½ pounds), trimmed, quartered lengthwise, and sliced ¼-inch thick
½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more as needed
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
8 ounces (1¼ cups) dried orzo pasta
6 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably no-salt-added
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian chiles in oil, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella (whole milk or part-skim)
½ cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add zucchini, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Add orzo and toast, stirring, until golden, 1–2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, water, Calabrian chiles, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens, 12–16 minutes. Return zucchini to pan and season with more salt or chile oil to taste.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover and cook until cheeses melt, about 2 minutes.
Notes
This dish is a good source of fiber and protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 365 per serving
- Sugar: 9g per serving
- Sodium: 564mg per serving
- Fat: 15g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 5g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 44g per serving
- Fiber: 6g per serving
- Protein: 18g per serving
- Cholesterol: 23mg per serving