Spinach Pesto Orzo Pasta (Printable Version)

Orzo coated in spinach pesto for a vibrant, creamy dish. Italian-inspired flavors ideal for any light meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

→ Spinach Pesto

02 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, packed
03 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
04 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
06 - 2 cloves garlic
07 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ To Finish

11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
02 - In a food processor, combine spinach, basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth, cohesive paste forms, scraping down sides as necessary.
03 - Transfer warm orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add spinach pesto and gently toss to combine, incorporating reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
05 - Distribute orzo onto plates. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple ingredients found at most grocery stores
  • Ready in just twenty five minutes start to finish
  • Packed with fresh spinach for a healthy twist on classic pesto
  • Creamy and vibrant without the need for heavy cream
  • Versatile as a main dish or side plate
02 -
  • Rich in spinach for natural vitamins and color
  • Vegetarian and can easily be made vegan or gluten free
  • A crowd pleaser as both a comfort food and party side
03 -
  • Toast your nuts for maximum depth of flavor I promise it makes a difference
  • Save that pasta water creamy sauce is impossible without it
  • Taste and make adjustments at every stage Spinach can vary in flavor and parmesan in saltiness so trust your palate

Go Back