Creamy Pesto Orzo with Fresh Basil and Parmesan
A velvety pasta dish combining tiny orzo grains with a vibrant, homemade basil pesto. This meal is comforting, fresh, and comes together quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1lb Orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook orzo until al dente.
- Blend basil, garlic, and parmesan in a food processor until coarse.
- Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until glossy.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Toss cooked orzo with the prepared pesto in the pot.
- Thin with reserved pasta water if necessary and serve.