Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil
Light and flavorful orzo pasta tossed with sautéed zucchini and cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh basil for a vibrant Mediterranean side dish. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-9 minutes until tender but firm, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced zucchini (1/2-inch cubes) and sauté for 5 minutes until zucchini softens and edges become golden.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to release juices.
- Step 5: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Orzo with Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
