One-Pot Tuna Orzo With Zucchini

Published July 22, 2024

Media 1 of 1
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(1,236)
Comments
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Sweet, savory and super-simple, this dish is made mostly from pantry staples and cooked all in one pot. Chewy raisins add an unexpected sweetness tempered by a bit of acidic red wine vinegar. Canned tuna is a great protein choice for weeknight dinners but be sure to buy the oil-packed variety for cooking — it’s much more tender. If you find it, high-quality oil-packed jarred tuna is even tastier. That said, jarred and canned tuna is fully cooked, so it’s best added at the end to warm the tuna through without overcooking it.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups)

  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated

  • Salt 

  • Red-pepper flakes 

  • 12 ounces orzo

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 (5-ounce) can olive-oil packed tuna, drained 

  • ¼ cup golden raisins

  • 3 tablespoons capers

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, torn

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • Grated Pecorino Romano, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

84 grams carbs; 19 milligrams cholesterol; 662 calories; 13 grams monosaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 22 grams fat; 6 grams fiber; 1173 milligrams sodium; 31 grams protein; 15 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the oil over high. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 6 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Adjust heat to medium, stir in the garlic and season with salt and red pepper. (Do not let the garlic burn.) Add the orzo and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the orzo is tender and the liquid is almost absorbed, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the tuna, raisins, capers and vinegar and cook until just warmed through. Add the herbs right before serving. Top with cheese if desired.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
1,236 user ratings
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Comments

Use the olive oil from the tuna for sautéing instead of throwing it away.

This was quite delicious with the following changes: I browned the zucchini rounds but did not add them until the end, with the other ingredients. Only used a splash of oil in the rest of the dish. Did not have golden raisins nor mint, but I don't think the dish needed sweetness. Used drained albacore in oil, but water packed would be fine. Maybe a spash of lemon juice next time, a few kalamatas, sprinkling of toasted pine nuts? I will definitely make this again.

Very easy and tasty! I would stir the orzo more than occasionally at first, if you don't want it to stick to the bottom of the pan.

Made exactly as written with a generous amount of Aleppo pepper. Easy once you get all the components prepped and measured; definitely a make-again.

I made this--zucchini mush is not for me. That much oil is not necessary. I would stir fry (or roast crisp-tender) the zucchini and add at the end. I would also double the golden raisins or use currants. I did not use canned tuna, I used tuna steaks that I grilled (medium--sorry tuna lovers). So I guess I used the ingredients but went rogue on the process. It was good. Never zucchini first--poor veg!

So flavorful and simple to make.

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