Go Back
+ servings

Lemon Brown Butter Sage Orzo with Summer Squash

This dish is great for any season! It's bright, aromatic and buttery. A wonderful vegetarian 30 minute meal for anyone looking for an INSTANT crowd pleaser entree.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Stock pot
  • Grill or oven for summer squash

Ingredients
  

  • 3 summer squash sliced lengthwise, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick
  • 3 zucchini sliced lengthwise, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick
  • Olive oil for seasoning
  • Kosher salt to taste, for seasoning
  • Black pepper to taste, for seasoning
  • 16 oz. orzo
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Toss the slices of summer squash and zucchini in olive oil until fully coated on both sides. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If grilling, preheat the grill on high direct heat until it hits 500-600 degrees F. Grill the zucchini and summer squash for about 5 minutes per side, until charred and tender. Remove from the heat and cover with foil before proceeding with the orzo.
  • If roasting, preheat the oven or air fryer to 450 degrees F. Line hte slices of zucchini and summer squash on a sheet pan and roast for about 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip halfway through to ensure both sides get nice and crispy. Prepare the orzo as the zucchini roasts.
  • Fill a large stockpot 3/4 of the way full with water. Season with 1 tbsp of kosher salt. Cook the orzo according to the package and drain it 2 minutes before al dente (it will cook residually in the sauce!)
  • As the orzo cooks, heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, after it's metled, keep a close eye on it to watch the color change from yellow to deep gold/light brown and nutty in fragrance (about 2 minutes or so - don't let it get darker in color or it will burn as it continues to cook.) Once the butter is gold/light brown, adjust the heat to medium low and add the sage. Cook until fragrant. Then, add the lemon zest and lemon juice and stir until a sauce is formed.
  • Transfer the cooked orzo to sauce and toss until the orzo is fully coated. Add the Parmesan and mix until it's melted and fully incorporated throughout.
  • Plate the orzo. Top with summer squash and a little more cheese. Enjoy immediately!
Keyword kosher salt, lemon, olive oil, orzo, sage, summer squash, unsalted butter, zucchini
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!