Pesto Zucchini and Corn Orzo Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini (small, sliced into 1/2-inch thick half-moons)
• salt (to taste)
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1.25 cup chicken bone broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 garlic (minced)
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp pesto (or more to taste, divided)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Sweety drop peppers (optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Toss the sliced zucchini with a little salt in a bowl and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out moisture.

2. 2

   Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart 9x13-inch or similarly sized baking dish.

4. 4

   Add the dry orzo, chicken bone broth, frozen corn, minced garlic, olive oil, and half of the pesto to the prepared baking dish.

5. 5

   Stir the mixture well to ensure the orzo is distributed evenly across the bottom of the dish.

6. 6

   Place the zucchini half-moons on top of the orzo mixture in a single layer; do not stir the zucchini into the liquid.

7. 7

   Drizzle the zucchini lightly with the remaining olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper.

8. 8

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the foil. Gently stir the orzo underneath the zucchini layer and swirl in the remaining pesto.

11. 11

    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

12. 12

    Bake uncovered until the cheese is melted, the top is lightly golden, and the orzo is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes more.

13. 13

    Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with sweety drop peppers.

Notes

Letting the zucchini stand with salt and patting it dry prevents the casserole from becoming too watery. Resting the dish for 10 minutes after baking allows the remaining liquid to be absorbed by the orzo for a creamier texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• side dish
• casserole
• vegetarian
• baked
• one-pan
• weeknight dinner