Guest "Chef" Recipe: Orzo with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese

This is my amazing sister, Caitlin! She's here with a recipe for all of us to try. It can be served as a side dish, or with the simple addition of chicken or shrimp could easily be turned into a main course.

For a make-ahead meal, cook the orzo, then toss with the rest of the ingredients in a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake at 375º for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Orzo with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese

1 (16-ounce) package orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon minced fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic and oregano
1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and diced
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

Cook the pasta in a Dutch oven according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain, and toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium heat. Add zucchini; cook 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in parsley and next 5 ingredients (parsley through bell peppers). Cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in pasta and cheeses.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

Caitlin recommends that you "Double the veggies and ½ to ¾ the orzo." Thanks for the recipe, can't wait to try it!