Prepared Mediterranean-style, this nutty Toasted Orzo Pasta Recipe with Garlic, Parmesan and Sun-dried Tomatoes will steal the show next to your favorite protein. You can even serve it as a quick and easy vegetarian meal on its own; it will feed 4 people as a vegetarian main and about 6 or so as a side dish.
It was a superb complement to our top sirloin and veggie kebabs. In fact, this orzo recipe jumped to the top of the list and one we’ll make time and again!
Leftovers? Lucky you. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in a tightly closed container. Warm over medium heat.
Toasted Orzo with Parmesan and Sun-dried Tomato
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- Kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup oregano, chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
- black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan, or more to your liking
Directions
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high. Add the orzo and cook, tossing around, until toasted to a beautiful golden brown.
- Add at least 7 cups of boiling water to the saucepan and season well with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Cook the pasta in boiling water to al dente according to the package instructions (about 7 to 8 minutes).
- Just before the pasta is fully cooked (after about 5 minutes), remove 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
- In a large pan, warm 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and season with a pinch of kosher salt and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, tossing regularly, until just fragrant. Add the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Raise the heat if needed to bring to a boil. Add the parsley and oregano.
- When the pasta is ready, drain and add it to the pan and toss to combine. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and a 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan. Toss to combine. If needed, add a little more of the pasta cooking water.
- Finish with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if you like.
Adapted from a recipe for MediterraneanDish.com
Accounting for Taste 
2 thoughts on “Toasted Orzo with Parmesan and Sun-dried Tomato”