Vegetable Orzo

This is a flavorful side dish. I usually serve it with roasted chicken or Italian sausages. Makes plenty so there is some leftover for lunch.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2 (14 ounce) cans  italian seasoned chicken broth
• 1 1⁄2 cups  dried orzo pasta
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can  sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1  fresh garlic clove, finely minced
•  chopped fresh parsley (a generous handful)
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄2 fresh lemon
•  parmesan cheese
•  extra virgin olive oil (I use about a tablespoon)

Directions

1. Cook orzo in chicken broth until tender (add water if necessary).
2. Sauté the the vegetables in butter until tender adding the garlic near the end to prevent burning.
3. This is where I usually add a little salt and fresh cracked pepper.
4. Drain the orzo and combine with the cooked vegetables and add the chopped parsley.
5. The heat of the other ingredients will wilt the parsley.
6. Stir in the juice of the 1/2 lemon and olive oil if desired.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan.
8. Enjoy.