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+ servings
A bowl of summer lemon zucchini orzo.

Summer Lemon Zucchini Pasta

This summer lemon zucchini pasta pairs the ultimate summer vegetable in grated form with garlic, shallots, peas, and Pecorino Romano cheese. You can also have it on the table in about 30 minutes with very little prep.
5 from 1 vote
Servings 4 to 6
Calories 444 kcal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large zucchini skin on, grated (Note 1)
  • 2 cups orzo
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large shallots peeled and minced
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled and minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Ground black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (Note 2)
  • ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • ½ freshly squeezed lemon
  • Handful Italian flat-leaf parsley minced

Instructions
 

  • Using a grater, grate the zucchini using the largest grating option.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package's instructions or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-low to medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add the peas and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the zucchini along with the salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes. The zucchini doesn't need to really cook much because it will already be soft; it's more about letting it develop some flavor. Stir occasionally. Taste for salt.
  • Add the drained orzo to the pan and toss with the zucchini. Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly squeezed lemon, and toss everything together well. Add some pasta water if the orzo seems dry. Garnish with the parsley and more Pecorino. Enjoy!

Notes

Note 1: You can drain the zucchini in a colander for a few minutes, but it's not necessary.
Note 2: It's OK if you don't thaw the peas before cooking them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 744mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 431IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 2mg
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