Orzo with Summer Squash and Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 ½ pounds zucchini or other summer squash, cut in 1/4-inch dice (about 4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram or mint
•   Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 10 ounces (1 1/3 cups) orzo
• ⅓ cup basil or basil-mint pesto (1/2 batch)
•   Additional grated Parmesan or pecorino for serving

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo and salt generously. Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, and add summer squash. Turn heat up to medium high and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in marjoram or mint and season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
2. When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add orzo. Cook 9 minutes, until al dente. Stir 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cooking water into the pesto, then drain orzo and toss with squash. Heat through, add pesto, toss again and serve, passing more Parmesan or pecorino in a bowl.

Note

• 448 calories; 18 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 milligrams cholesterol; 60 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 101 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 14 grams protein
• 359 calories; 14 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 48 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 81 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 11 grams protein