Description
A vibrant and quick-to-make Pea, Zucchini, and Pesto Orzo recipe, combining tender risoni pasta with fresh veggies and aromatic basil pesto, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2/3 cup risoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp basil pesto (preferably homemade)
- 1 small onion (brown, yellow or white), diced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 3 cups zucchini, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, preferably defrosted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Water: Place about 8 cups of water in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Cook Risoni and Peas: Add the risoni to the boiling water and cook for 4 minutes. Then add the frozen peas and continue cooking for an additional 1 minute. The risoni will be slightly undercooked at this stage to finish cooking later in the pan.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Scoop out 1/2 cup of the cooking water from the saucepan and set aside. Then drain the risoni and peas, setting them aside until ready to add to the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the crushed garlic and diced onion, sautéing for about 1 minute until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until both the zucchini and onion are softened, with the onion turning a light golden brown.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the basil pesto, cooked risoni with peas, the reserved pasta water, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue stirring for 1 minute until the water is mostly absorbed and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Using defrosted peas helps maintain their bright color and texture.
- Homemade basil pesto enhances freshness and flavor, but store-bought can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference and dietary requirements.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
