Roasted Vegetable Orzo: A Comforting and Colorful Pasta Dish

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of pasta to make you feel cozy, and Roasted Vegetable Orzo elevates the classic pasta dinner with a burst of vibrant colors, flavors, and textures. This dish combines tender roasted vegetables with buttery, slightly nutty orzo pasta, finished with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or an impressive dish for guests or family gatherings.

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative. Every bite delivers roasted sweetness, herbaceous freshness, and the creamy, comforting texture of orzo.

Ingredients

• For the Roasted Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Orzo:
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For Finishing:
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Roast the Vegetables: Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
4. Cook the Orzo: While the vegetables roast, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed, then toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Combine Orzo and Vegetables: Transfer roasted vegetables into the orzo, tossing gently to combine.
6. Finish the Dish: Add fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and optional Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with extra olive oil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve Warm: Serve immediately for a hearty dinner, or allow to cool slightly and enjoy as a room-temperature Mediterranean-style pasta salad.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Vegetable Orzo

• Even Roasting: Cut all vegetables to similar sizes to ensure uniform roasting.
• Enhance Flavor: Toss vegetables with a little balsamic vinegar before roasting for deeper flavor.
• Herb Variations: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme are excellent alternatives to parsley.
• Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Make Ahead: Roast vegetables and cook orzo separately, then combine before serving. This keeps textures fresh for meal prep.

Roasted Vegetable Orzo

A colorful and flavorful pasta dish with roasted vegetables, orzo, fresh herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Roasted Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper diced
• 1 zucchini sliced into half-moons
• 1 yellow squash sliced into half-moons
• 1 red onion cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Orzo

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Finishing

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese optional
• 0.5 lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread on baking sheet.
3. Roast vegetables 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway.
4. Bring vegetable broth to boil. Cook orzo until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed, toss with olive oil.
5. Combine roasted vegetables with cooked orzo.
6. Add parsley, lemon juice, optional Parmesan, drizzle olive oil, adjust seasoning.
7. Serve warm or as a room-temperature pasta salad.

Notes

Make ahead: roast vegetables and cook orzo separately, combine before serving.

Variations

• Vegan: Skip Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in mozzarella or feta for a creamier texture.
• Grain Swap: Use whole wheat orzo, quinoa, or couscous for a gluten-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or roasted jalapeño slices.
• Seasonal Swap: Incorporate roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or carrots for variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread for a comforting, classic pasta dinner.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or salmon for extra protein.
• Enjoy cold as a Mediterranean pasta salad, perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Garnish with toasted pine nuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

• Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like large grains of rice, commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.
• Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor and texture while keeping them healthy.
• Combining roasted vegetables with pasta is a modern way to enjoy a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that is both comforting and colorful.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 35 minutes.
• Healthy & Filling: Vegetables, whole grains, and optional protein create a balanced meal.
• Adaptable: Gluten-free, vegan, or cheese-lover friendly.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well up to 3 days, perfect for busy weeks.

The Roasted Vegetable Orzo is a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a busy weeknight dinner to a festive family gathering. It’s colorful, hearty, and full of flavor—a true comfort food with a healthy twist.