Save A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring orzo (risoni) tossed in a rich garlicky pesto cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful vegetarian meal.
This creamy pesto risoni quickly became a favorite in my household for its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (1½ cups) risoni (orzo) pasta
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 200 ml (¾ cup plus 2 tbsp) heavy cream 100 g (about ½ cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese Zest of ½ lemon Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts Fresh basil leaves, to serve Extra grated Parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook risoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and lemon zest. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 4:
- Add the drained risoni, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky creamy sauce.
- Step 5:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6:
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan.
Save This dish brings everyone to the table, reminiscing over shared plates and laughter.
Notes
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for protein. For a lighter version, use half and half or light cream. Swap risoni for small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni if preferred. Pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Colander Wooden spoon Microplane or grater
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (risoni/orzo), milk (cream, Parmesan, pesto), and nuts (pesto, pine nuts). Check pesto ingredients for additional allergens (e.g., cashews, other nuts, cheese). Always verify labels if you have allergies.
Save This creamy pesto risoni is both simple and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is used in this dish?
Risoni, also known as orzo, is used for its small, rice-like shape that holds the creamy pesto sauce well.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the sauce?
Yes, homemade or store-bought basil pesto works perfectly and adds a fresh herbal flavor to the creamy sauce.
- → How can I keep the sauce creamy and smooth?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it gradually to the sauce while tossing the pasta; this helps achieve a silky smooth texture.
- → Are there any suggested variations to add protein?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to enhance the dish with protein and extra nutrients.
- → What garnishes complement the flavors here?
Toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and extra grated Parmesan add texture and brighten the creamy pesto flavor.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat and features cheese and pesto as key ingredients.