Creamy Pesto Orzo with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
A delicious and comforting Creamy Pesto Orzo paired with perfectly roasted vegetables. This easy-to-make dish combines tender orzo pasta cooked in vegetable broth and mixed with creamy heavy cream and flavorful pesto, complemented by a medley of caramelized zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion roasted to perfection. Ideal for a vibrant vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and packed with fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions—typically 8-10 minutes—until al dente.
- Combine Orzo with Cream and Pesto: Drain the cooked orzo and return it to the saucepan. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Mix in Roasted Vegetables: Gently fold the roasted vegetables into the creamy pesto orzo, ensuring even distribution.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, optionally garnished with additional pesto or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with water but broth adds more flavor.
- Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with dairy-free cream and ensure pesto is vegan.
- Stir vegetables halfway through roasting for even cooking and caramelization.
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Orzo, Roasted Vegetables, Italian Pasta, Vegetarian Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Orzo Recipe, Pesto Pasta
