One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients in this recipe create a creamy and tasty dish. The orzo pasta serves as a perfect base, soaking up flavors from the broth and cream. Vegetable broth adds a rich taste without meat. Heavy cream makes the dish extra rich and smooth. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Basil pesto gives a burst of fresh flavor and aroma, making this dish shine. The additional ingredients bring color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst and a pop of color. Frozen peas add a bright green touch and a bit of sweetness. Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast adds a savory finish. Olive oil helps toast the orzo and adds healthy fats. Seasoning is key. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch when you serve the dish. They make it look pretty and taste fresh. Enjoy creating this simple yet delightful meal! - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden. - Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. - Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente. - Once the orzo is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of basil pesto. Mix until creamy and smooth. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated. - Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. To make your orzo perfectly al dente, watch the cooking time. Boil the orzo in vegetable broth for about 8-10 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Taste it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. For creaminess, you can choose different types of cream. Heavy cream gives a rich taste. If you prefer a lighter dish, coconut cream works great too. It adds a subtle sweetness. Pair your creamy pesto orzo with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing complements the dish well. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This adds a nice crunch and is perfect for dipping. For toppings, consider adding sliced olives or toasted pine nuts. They add a delightful texture and extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten the dish. Want to add more depth? Try adding minced garlic or chopped onion when you toast the orzo. This step gives a wonderful aromatic base. It makes your dish even more inviting. Using homemade pesto is a fantastic choice if you have time. It allows you to control the flavor. Store-bought pesto is still great if you’re short on time. Just make sure to taste and adjust as needed. {{image_2}} If you want a dairy-free dish, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast works great instead of Parmesan cheese. If you need gluten-free options, there are different types of orzo made from rice or corn. These alternatives keep the dish tasty while meeting your diet needs. You can customize this dish with seasonal vegetables. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition. You can swap the pesto too. Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich, tangy twist. This allows you to create new tastes while keeping the dish simple. If you have more guests, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just double the ingredients for a larger crowd. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze portions for future meals, making dinner planning easier. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo fresh, refrigerate it within two hours. Use an airtight container to prevent air from drying it out. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. You can store leftovers for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps maintain creaminess. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. Overcooking can make orzo mushy, so watch closely. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid for creaminess. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap grated Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Both choices keep the creamy texture while adding flavor. What can I substitute for orzo? If you can't find orzo, use any small pasta. Options include ditalini, orzo-shaped couscous, or even quinoa. Each will give a unique twist to the dish. How long does one-pot creamy pesto orzo last in the fridge? One-pot creamy pesto orzo lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. Just toss them in when you add the cherry tomatoes and peas. How can I enhance the flavor beyond pesto? To boost flavor, add garlic or sautéed onions. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Try mixing in herbs like parsley or thyme for extra depth. What are some creative serving options? Serve this dish in bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. Pair with a side salad for balance. This blog post covered how to make a creamy pesto orzo dish. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. I shared methods for variations, including dietary needs and serving recommendations. Remember, this recipe is flexible. You can make it your own with different veggies or flavors. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with others!$

Discover the deliciousness of this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo recipe that makes weeknight dinners a breeze! With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting meal. Click to explore the recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty delight!

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup basil pesto

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the orzo pasta and toast for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto until well combined and creamy.

Add the cherry tomatoes and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4