Pesto Orzo with Peas
Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this Pesto Orzo with Peas, a vibrant twist on pasta night that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This quick and easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta and sweet green peas coated in a luscious, herbaceous pesto sauce, with a hint of tangy lemon juice and a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy schedules, this one-pot dish minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it warm for a comforting meal or enjoy it at room temperature as a versatile side dish at your next gathering. With its fresh basil garnish and simple ingredients, this vegetarian-friendly recipe is a celebration of freshness that’s bound to become a household favorite.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.5 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, in the final 2 minutes of the orzo’s cooking time, add the frozen peas to the same pot.
Step 4
Once the orzo is cooked and the peas are tender, drain them together in a colander and return them to the pot.
Step 5
Drizzle the olive oil over the hot orzo and peas to keep them from sticking, then stir to combine.
Step 6
Add the pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the orzo and peas evenly.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if desired.
Step 8
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (648.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2000.1 |
| Total Fat 86.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 29.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2221.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 257.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 26.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 16.7g | |
| Protein 62.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 515.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 613.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories