One-Pot Tuna Orzo With Zucchini

By Samantha Seneviratne

Published July 23, 2024

One-Pot Tuna Orzo With Zucchini
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(844)
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
  • ¼cup olive oil
  • 3medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
  • 2large garlic cloves, grated
  • Salt 
  • Red-pepper flakes 
  • 12ounces orzo
  • 3cups chicken broth
  • 1(5-ounce) can olive-oil packed tuna, drained 
  • ¼cup golden raisins
  • 3tablespoons capers
  • 1tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½cup fresh mint leaves, torn
  • ½cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Grated Pecorino Romano, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
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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.

Ratings

5 out of 5
844 user ratings
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Comments

NRB

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

Liz

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.

David

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.

Suzanne

I admit that I was skeptical of the list of ingredients making a delicious meal, but I needed to use my zucchini. The zucchini and orzo cooked as per the recipe was delicious—and would have been much better without the tuna. Just add cheese for a good vegetarian meal.

Pete

Reduced amount of whole grain Orzo and broth to 2/3 of amount called for. Omitted raisins. Used much less oil. Quick and easy.

Sally Kellogg, Naples, FL

My son introduced me to the recipe. I didn't have golden raisins on hand so just used the regular ones. An interesting blend of sweet & savory. My husband loved it. Other than the zucchini, this requires ingredients from the pantry. Important, if you have time, hand grate your cheese, it does make a difference.

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