Orzo Pignoli Pasta Pine Nuts
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and nutty Orzo Pignoli Pasta Pine Nuts recipe, a Mediterranean-inspired dish brimming with bright, fresh flavors. Perfectly cooked orzo is tossed in a luscious garlic and olive oil base, then enhanced with crunchy, golden-toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice and zest, and a delicate medley of fresh parsley and basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) adds a creamy, savory touch, while the whole dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an effortlessly elegant choice for a weeknight meal or a side dish at your next gathering. Serve this light yet satisfying recipe warm or at room temperature for a stunning combination of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coastline.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1.5 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the pine nuts to the dry skillet and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove the pine nuts from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the olive oil.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss it with the garlic and olive oil until well coated.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and basil. Mix well to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
531 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.5 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 481 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.3 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.9 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 224 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
