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My One-Pan Zucchini-Pesto Orzo Is Supremely Summery

My One-Pan Zucchini-Pesto Orzo Is Supremely Summery

New York Times23-06-2025
No condiment says summer quite like pesto. Homemade or store-bought, the herby, garlicky sauce adds a sunny sparkle to pasta dishes, tomato salads, pizzas, grilled chicken and fish — pretty much anything that could use pungency and color. It's such a crowd pleaser that even small children who balk at strong flavors or absolutely anything green will happily scarf something down if it's covered in pesto.
So let's get the pesto party started with my recipe for one-pan zucchini-pesto orzo. Topped with cherry tomatoes and served warm or at room temperature, this vibrant dish is giving big-pasta-salad energy, making it ideal for a potluck or picnic. Plus, it's a snap to throw together: Brown the zucchini in a skillet with red-pepper flakes, then stir the orzo and broth into the same pan so everything finishes cooking together. Add marinated tomatoes and mozzarella at the end along with the pesto and plenty of basil's cooler cousin, fresh mint. Presto! Make it for dinner tonight, then keep it on repeat all summer long.
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Crunchy tortilla fried-chicken cutlets: Rick Martínez's take on chicken Milanese features corn masa flour and crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible salty-crisp crust. He serves the cutlets with an easy homemade tomato salsa seasoned with dried chiles de árbol, but store-bought salsa will work just as well.
Soy butter fish and peas: Use any white, flaky fish (like hake, cod or halibut) to make Andy Baraghani's light, summery dish. Lay the fillets in a skillet over a savory mix of soy sauce, butter and rice vinegar, top with crisp snow peas or snap peas, then gently steam. It's a fresh and speedy one-pan wonder.
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