Toasted Orzo with Pine Nuts
Elevate your side dish game with this Toasted Orzo with Pine Nuts recipe—an effortlessly elegant combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Golden-toasted orzo pasta and buttery pine nuts form the heart of this dish, while garlic, fresh parsley, and a bright touch of lemon zest bring layers of freshness and zesty aroma. Simmered to perfection in savory chicken or vegetable broth, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both busy cooks and flavor enthusiasts. Serve it warm for a cozy, comforting side or allow it to cool for a refreshing room-temperature option. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a nutty, rich finish, this dish is sure to impress at every table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast it, stirring constantly, for about 4-5 minutes, until it turns a golden brown color.
Mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the skillet with the orzo. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until it absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
Season the orzo with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the pasta.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and grate the lemon zest. Gently fold them into the orzo, along with the toasted pine nuts, just before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish, or let it cool and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.0 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 675 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 8.6 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 149 mg | 3% | |
*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.
