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Pesto Zucchini Orzo with Charred Sweet Corn

Pesto Zucchini Orzo with Charred Sweet Corn

Smoky charred zucchini and sweet corn add a perfect summery touch to this pesto zucchini orzo that's easy to prepare and goes well with any grilled meat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 502 kcal

Equipment

  • grill
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 3 medium ears sweet corn husk and silk removed
  • 2 medium zucchinis ends trimmed and halved width-wise

Cooking Essentials

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium shallot minced
  • 2 medium cloves garlic minced

Pasta and Broth

  • 1 lb uncooked orzo pasta
  • 4.5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

Cream and Sauces

  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup basil pesto homemade or jarred

Cheese and Herbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil , plus more for serving

Seasoning

  • Salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Rub corn and zucchini lightly all over with oil. Grill over medium-high heat (or pan sear in cast iron pan) turning occasionally until zucchini and corn is lightly charred all over.
  • Transfer zucchini and corn to a cutting board and when cool enough to handle, cut kernels off of cobs and cut zucchini into ½-in cubes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and swirl to coat pan. Add shallot and saute several minutes until softened. Add garlic and orzo and cook 1-2 minutes until orzo is lightly toasted.
  • Add broth to skillet and stir until evenly combined. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer 10-15 minutes until most of the liquid is reduced and orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove orzo from heat and stir in charred corn, zucchini, heavy cream, pesto, Parmesan, and basil until evenly combined.
  • Season orzo with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm with additional Parmesan and basil sprinkled on top. Enjoy!

Notes

Store orzo in refrigerator up to 6 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 12ozCalories: 502kcalCarbohydrates: 67.2gProtein: 18.3gFat: 18.9gSaturated Fat: 6.8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 579mgFiber: 48gSugar: 5.1gCalcium: 144mgIron: 5mg
Keyword charred corn, grilled meat, orzo, pesto, summer dish, zucchini
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