Parmesan Zucchini Rice

Introduction

Looking for a tasty new way to get your veggies in? This Parmesan zucchini rice is a delicious and healthy one-pot meal that will quickly become a family favorite. By cooking rice in flavored broth and adding fresh zucchini and Parmesan cheese, you end up with a flavorful pilaf bursting with summery garden goodness. The rice absorbs all the flavors while the zucchini cooks down, resulting in a creamy, cheesy dish with just a few easy steps. Read on for the recipe and fun ways to customize this bright veggie rice dish.

Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini offers many excellent nutrients and health benefits:

• Low in calories and carbs
• High in vitamin C and manganese
• Good source of vitamin A, potassium, folate
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• May help regulate blood sugar

Benefits of Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds more than just flavor. It also provides:

• Protein for building muscles
• Calcium for strong bones
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin B12
• Healthy fats

Ingredients

This quick and easy pilaf calls for just a few ingredients:

• Cooked rice
• Zucchini
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Olive oil or butter
• Herbs like basil, oregano, parsley

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute or customize with:

• Cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
• Goat cheese, romano, asiago instead of parmesan
• Yellow squash, spinach, kale instead of zucchini
• Onion, shallots instead of garlic
• Thyme, rosemary instead of basil

Recipe Instructions

Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the Zucchini

Add diced zucchini and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.

Add the Rice and Broth

Stir in cooked rice and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer

Cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed and zucchini is tender.

Stir in Cheese and Herbs

Remove from heat. Add shredded Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Season and Serve

Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder if desired. Enjoy hot.

Recipe Variations

Customize this dish with your favorite flavors:

• Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage
• Use mushroom or miso broth for deeper flavor
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for tang
• Top with crispy prosciutto or pancetta
• Mix in pesto or chopped spinach
• Use pecorino romano or manchego cheese
• Add red pepper flakes for heat

Meatless Options

• Keep it vegetarian by using veggie broth
• Mix in white beans or chickpeas
• Add nuts like pine nuts, almonds or walnuts

Serving Suggestions

This versatile veggie rice pilaf can be enjoyed:

• As a light lunch or dinner
• As a side dish next to grilled meats
• Stuffed into vegetables like peppers or tomatoes
• As a bed for saucy shrimp or chicken
• For meal prep lunches

Pairings

For a complete meal, try serving Parmesan zucchini rice with:

• Salad or roasted veggies
• Chicken, salmon, or steak
• Meatballs or Italian sausage
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Wine spritzer or lemonade

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.

Storage Tips

• Allow to cool before storing
• Transfer to airtight container
• Ensure container has a tight-fitting lid
• Avoid keeping longer than 4 days

Reheating Tips

• Use microwave or stove top to reheat
• Stir periodically while reheating
• Add splash of broth if too dry
• Avoid overheating which can dry out rice

Common Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use vegetable broth and leave out the cheese for a vegan version.

What type of rice works best?

White or brown rice are ideal. Short or medium grain rice provides the creamiest results.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can cook the rice ahead then assemble and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

It's best not to freeze cooked rice dishes which can degrade the texture.

Is zucchini rice gluten free?

Yes, as written this recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

This Parmesan zucchini rice is an easy, one-pot meal that delivers comfort and nutrition in one flavorful dish. With aromatic garlic, hearty rice, tender zucchini and creamy Parmesan cheese, it makes for a satisfying meatless main or side. Feel free to customize with mix-ins and spices to suit your taste. Enjoy this bright, budget-friendly pilaf any day of the week!