Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan Orzo

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan Orzo combines creamy orzo pasta with caramelized cauliflower, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon for a hearty and refreshing dish.

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan Orzo beautifully blends elements of Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, offering a harmonious combination of creamy textures, nutty flavors, and fresh herbs. It can serve as a satisfying main course or a hearty side dish, appealing to those who enjoy plant-forward meals without compromising richness and depth of flavor.

The dish features orzo, a rice-shaped pasta favored in Italian cuisine. Its capacity to absorb flavors and achieve creamy textures makes orzo an ideal foundation. Toasting the orzo in extra virgin olive oil prior to cooking it in broth enhances its nutty essence, adding a richness that harmonizes with the other components.

Roasted cauliflower brings both texture and caramelized flavor to the dish. Roasting at high heat encourages the natural sugars in the cauliflower to brown, creating crispy edges and a nutty undertone that complements the richness of the Parmesan. This method ensures that the cauliflower holds its texture, even when folded into the orzo, avoiding the soggy consistency that can occur with boiling or steaming.

Adding Parmesan cheese introduces an umami undertone and a creamy element, helping bind the ingredients and creating a luscious, savory bite. Parmesan adds a subtle saltiness that balances the other flavors, particularly the freshness of the lemon zest and juice. These citrus elements brighten the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese and offering a refreshing contrast to the roasted components.

---

---

This dish is simple but elegant. It pairs nicely with a green salad or roasted vegetables as a main dish. Additionally, it complements proteins like roasted chicken, grilled fish, or lamb when served as a side. It is also a fantastic choice for vegetarians, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables in each bite.

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan Orzo exemplifies the beauty of Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cooking: fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, this dish brings comfort and sophistication to the table, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 0.37 cups orzo

• 0.25 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 0.25 small onion, finely chopped

• 0.75 cloves of garlic, minced

• 0.12 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 0.5 cups vegetable broth

• 0.25 tablespoon thyme, freshly chopped

• 0.25 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped

• 0.25 lemon, juiced and zested

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for garnish, Parmesan cheese

• for garnish, freshly chopped parsley

Directions

• Roast the Cauliflower:
  Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.

• Cook the Orzo:
  Heat the remaining extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the orzo and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

• Simmer the Orzo:
  Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

• Combine Everything:
  Stir in the roasted cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, thyme, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

• Garnish and Serve:
  Spoon the orzo and cauliflower mixture into serving bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.