Save A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring orzo (risoni) tossed in a rich garlicky pesto cream sauce Perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful vegetarian meal
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring orzo (risoni) tossed in a rich garlicky pesto cream sauce Perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful vegetarian meal
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (1½ cups) risoni (orzo) pasta
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 200 ml (¾ cup plus 2 tbsp) heavy cream, 100 g (about ½ cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, Zest of ½ lemon, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, Fresh basil leaves, to serve, Extra grated Parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook risoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 10 minutes) Reserve ½ cup pasta water then drain
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Step 3:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer Stir in the pesto and lemon zest Cook for 1 2 minutes until warmed through
- Step 4:
- Add the drained risoni Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet Toss to combine adding more pasta water as needed for a silky creamy sauce
- Step 5:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Step 6:
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts fresh basil and extra Parmesan
Save This dish is a family favorite enjoyed on quick weeknights especially when we want something tasty yet simple
Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Colander Wooden spoon Microplane or grater
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (risoni/orzo) milk (cream Parmesan pesto) and nuts (pesto pine nuts) Check pesto ingredients for additional allergens (e g cashews other nuts cheese) Always verify labels if you have allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 540 Total Fat 26 g Carbohydrates 57 g Protein 16 g
Save This creamy pesto risoni is a quick delicious meal perfect for any busy day
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Risoni (orzo) pasta is preferred for its small, rice-like shape that holds the creamy sauce well, but small shapes like ditalini or macaroni work too.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for this?
Yes, homemade basil pesto enhances freshness, but store-bought pesto offers a convenient and flavorful alternative.
- → How do I keep the sauce creamy and smooth?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually while tossing the pasta helps achieve a silky, creamy consistency without thinning the sauce too much.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables can be incorporated to boost protein content and variety.
- → Are there suitable dairy alternatives?
For a lighter dish, half-and-half or light cream can replace heavy cream, though texture and richness may slightly differ.