Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic scents of an Italian-inspired dish that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Orzo in Vegetable Sauce is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, transforming simple ingredients into a mouth-watering meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the zucchini and bell pepper, and chop the onion into small pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a well-distributed flavor in the dish.
- In a slow cooker, add the chopped onion first. This will allow the onion to soften and release its flavor as the dish cooks.
- Next, add the diced zucchini and bell pepper to the slow cooker, layering them over the onions.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes over the vegetables, ensuring they are well covered. The crushed tomatoes will create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Next, add the orzo pasta to the slow cooker. Spread it evenly over the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to cover all the ingredients. This will help the orzo cook properly and absorb the flavors of the vegetables and sauce.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top of the mixture. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the orzo is submerged in the broth.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After 4 hours, check the consistency of the orzo. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once ready, give the orzo a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning if needed.
- Serve the slow cooker orzo in vegetable sauce hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Chop your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Layer Wisely: Start with onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavor foundation.
- Don't Overcook: Check your orzo at the
- 5-hour mark to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Liquid Matters: Have extra vegetable broth on hand in case you need to adjust the consistency.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a splash of red wine for extra depth.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile - swap vegetables or add protein like chickpeas or white beans.
- Storage Tip: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
