Creamy Pesto Orzo (30 Minutes; ONE Pot!)
There’s something magical about a one-pot meal that not only cuts down on the cleanup but also delivers on flavor and comfort. This Creamy Pesto Orzo is a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. With a rich, creamy base infused with fresh basil pesto, tender orzo pasta, and a blend of veggies, this meal is both satisfying and quick to whip up. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dinner ready for the whole family, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Creamy Pesto Orzo is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a versatile dish that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s why you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe:
– **Quick and Easy**: With just 30 minutes on the clock, you can serve a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
– **One-Pot Wonder**: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it easy to adapt to what you have on hand.
– **Comfort Food**: The creamy texture combined with the vibrant flavors of pesto makes this dish a cozy favorite.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic (2 to 3 cloves)
- 1 pound ground turkey (93/7) or ground chicken thigh meat preferred
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1-1/2 cups frozen sweet peas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth (I love Swanson)
- 2-1/4 cups whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/3 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Recommended Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking everything in one pot.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
- Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
Creamy Pesto Orzo (30 Minutes; ONE Pot!): How It’s Done
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground turkey or ground chicken thigh meat to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the frozen corn and sweet peas. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through, and then push everything to one side of the pot.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In the empty side of the pot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until it’s golden in color.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and 2-1/4 cups of whole milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, making sure it’s well combined. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, cooking for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Finish with Pesto and Cheese
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of basil pesto until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If desired, sprinkle with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Orzo!
Fit It to Your Goals
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo pasta to make this dish gluten-free friendly.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash more milk or broth as needed while cooking.
- Stirring frequently during the orzo cooking process helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later consumption.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the Creamy Pesto Orzo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, portion the orzo into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave or heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Reader Q&A
Can I make Creamy Pesto Orzo vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground turkey for your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delightful vegetarian dish.
What can I use instead of orzo pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with any small pasta like ditalini, or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Creamy Pesto Orzo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and stir in a little extra milk to bring back the creaminess.
What should I serve with Creamy Pesto Orzo?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Ready, Set, Cook
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time, this Creamy Pesto Orzo (30 Minutes; ONE Pot!) is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also allows for creativity in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is bound to impress. Dig in and savor every bite!
Creamy Pesto Orzo (30 Minutes; ONE Pot!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground turkey or ground chicken thigh meat to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, stir in the frozen corn and sweet peas. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through, and then push everything to one side of the pot.
- In the empty side of the pot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until it’s golden in color.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and 2-1/4 cups of whole milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, making sure it’s well combined. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, cooking for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of basil pesto until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- If desired, sprinkle with finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Orzo!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash more milk or broth as needed while cooking.
- Stirring frequently during the orzo cooking process helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later consumption.
