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Creamy Pesto Orzo Recipe

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4.2 from 157 reviews

A creamy and flavorful gluten-free pesto orzo pasta dish cooked in chicken bone broth and blended with fresh spinach, basil, and parmesan cheese. This easy, 30-minute recipe combines sautéed garlic, tender orzo, and a vibrant homemade pesto for a deliciously comforting meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Orzo and Garlic Base

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

Pesto Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  2. Cook Orzo: Add the gluten-free orzo to the skillet along with the chicken bone broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, cooking until the pasta is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Make Pesto: While the orzo cooks, combine the fresh spinach, packed fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed, remembering that the orzo will already be lightly salted from the broth.
  4. Combine and Serve: Once the orzo is fully cooked and the broth has been absorbed, stir in the freshly made pesto until everything is well combined. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, top with extra grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for added flavor and heat. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken bone broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta when combining the pesto and orzo.
  • Keep an eye on the orzo during simmering to prevent it from overcooking or sticking to the skillet.
  • For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and vegetable broth.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-pesto-orzo-recipe/