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
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
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until tender, about a minute.
- Add the broth, orzo, chickpeas, and zucchini, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the orzo is cooked, about 8 minutes.
- Mix in the corn, parmesan, and pesto, before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with the diced tomatoes, mozzarella, and sliced basil!
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.
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Anne says
This looks and sounds YUMMY!