Brownies and Zucchini

Noodles. Cheese.  Basil.  Three of my favorite foods.  How could they not be even better together?

I decided to answer that question by trying this recipe for orzo with parmesan and basil that I found on Tasty Kitchen.  You can find the recipe here.

I was really looking for an easy recipe for lunch that I would not have to go out and buy special ingredients for.  This one definitely fit the bill.

It was definitely not hard to make either – basically just as easy as making pasta.

Really how can you go wrong with something that starts off being sauteed in butter and then gets delicious cheese added to it?

I had some fresh basil, but not enough so I used about half fresh and half dried basil.  I also had an “Italian Mix” shredded cheese, so I used that instead of just parmesan.  I also probably put in more than the 1/2 cup that was suggested in the recipe. What can I say, I love cheese!

It turned out really well I thought.  Cheesy – but not too rich.  I also liked the subtle flavor that the chicken stock gave it.  I little bit of a different twist to noodles and cheese.

Ease: A-, you do have to sauté the noodles, which takes a bit of patience, but after that you just let the noodles sit and cook and then add the rest!
Taste: A, definitely good!

Would I make it again? Yeah, I think so.  It is a great weekend lunch that has enough leftovers to be packed for lunches during the week!

Speaking of leftovers, I am most definitely having some of those leftovers for lunch today.  Along with my usual fresh mozzarella sandwich of course 🙂

What are you having for lunch today?

Got a case of the Mondays? Check out this post by Heather for some strategies to turn the day around!

Happy Monday!

Filed under: Dinner, Lunch, Pasta Tagged: | basil, easy, lunch, orzo, parmesan