Toasted Orzo with Pine Nuts

Elevate your side dish game with this Toasted Orzo with Pine Nuts recipe—an effortlessly elegant combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Golden-toasted orzo pasta and buttery pine nuts form the heart of this dish, while garlic, fresh parsley, and a bright touch of lemon zest bring layers of freshness and zesty aroma. Simmered to perfection in savory chicken or vegetable broth, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both busy cooks and flavor enthusiasts. Serve it warm for a cozy, comforting side or allow it to cool for a refreshing room-temperature option. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a nutty, rich finish, this dish is sure to impress at every table.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast it, stirring constantly, for about 4-5 minutes, until it turns a golden brown color.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the skillet with the orzo. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until it absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Step 5

Season the orzo with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the pasta.

Step 6

Finely chop the fresh parsley and grate the lemon zest. Gently fold them into the orzo, along with the toasted pine nuts, just before serving.

Step 7

Serve warm as a side dish, or let it cool and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	760.9 grams (760.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1239

Total Fat 55.80g	72%
Saturated Fat 6.20g	31%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2907mg	126%
Total Carbohydrate 159.80g	58%
Dietary Fiber 12.90g	46%
Total Sugars 6.00g
Protein 33.30g	67%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 90mg	7%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 383mg	8%

*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: 39.4%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 50.1%