Orzo Pignoli Pasta Pine Nuts

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and nutty Orzo Pignoli Pasta Pine Nuts recipe, a Mediterranean-inspired dish brimming with bright, fresh flavors. Perfectly cooked orzo is tossed in a luscious garlic and olive oil base, then enhanced with crunchy, golden-toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice and zest, and a delicate medley of fresh parsley and basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) adds a creamy, savory touch, while the whole dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an effortlessly elegant choice for a weeknight meal or a side dish at your next gathering. Serve this light yet satisfying recipe warm or at room temperature for a stunning combination of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coastline.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 0.5 cups Pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1.5 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the pine nuts to the dry skillet and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove the pine nuts from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the olive oil.

Step 5

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 6

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss it with the garlic and olive oil until well coated.

Step 7

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and basil. Mix well to combine.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1536.4 grams (1536.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2397

Total Fat 123.60g	158%
Saturated Fat 29.10g	146%
Polyunsaturated Fat 27.00g
Cholesterol 107mg	36%
Sodium 2884mg	125%
Total Carbohydrate 243.40g	89%
Dietary Fiber 19.80g	71%
Total Sugars 8.50g
Protein 90.50g	181%

Vitamin D 26IU	128%
Calcium 1597mg	123%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 661mg	14%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.4%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 39.8%