Print

Creamy Pesto Orzo with Veggies and Parmesan Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 8 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Orzo is a delicious gluten-free dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a vibrant, homemade basil and spinach pesto. Ready in about 30 minutes, this creamy and flavorful meal is packed with veggies, high in protein, and serves beautifully topped with air fryer parmesan chicken cutlets or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Orzo

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 8 ounces gluten free orzo (I like Jovial)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken bone broth (see notes)

Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Cook Orzo: Add the gluten-free orzo and chicken bone broth to the skillet and bring to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the orzo is cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
  3. Prepare Pesto: While the orzo cooks, combine the fresh spinach, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, keeping in mind that the bone broth will add saltiness to the dish.
  4. Combine and Finish: Once the orzo is fully cooked and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in the prepared pesto sauce thoroughly until well combined. Allow the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes on low heat, then remove from the stove.
  5. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for added flavor and a slight kick. This dish pairs excellently with air fryer parmesan chicken cutlets or can be enjoyed on its own.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken bone broth with vegetable broth.
  • For a vegan version, replace parmesan cheese with a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent orzo from sticking or clumping.
  • Use gluten-free orzo to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
  • Adjust salt in pesto after tasting, since bone broth adds natural saltiness.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/creamy-pesto-orzo-with-veggies-and-parmesan-recipe/