• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook with Kushi
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me
  • Media
  • Blog
  • Easy and Healthy Recipes for the Family
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Lunch and Dinner Recipes

    ORZO WITH PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

    Published: Jun 22, 2018 · Modified: Jun 3, 2023 by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable and flavorful, satisfying recipe that comes together quickly in about 20 minutes. The combination of orzo with rich pesto sauce, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese makes it a perfect family vegan or vegetarian meal!

    Both stovetop and instant pot instructions added

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, Orzo recipes with chicken/ orzo recipes vegetarian / how to cook orzo pasta / pesto uses / Creamy pesto pasta, basil pesto, orzo side dishes, instant pot pasta recipes

    WOW! It's summer already. The time of the year I have been waiting for to enjoy with my little one outdoors. The time of the year where I see lot of people who love to eat their lunches in parks and beaches, and dinners on their patio. I am super excited as it is our first summer in our new house with our own patio. The recipe below is perfect for enjoying with your loved ones this summer season.

    Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes !!

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, pesto pasta recipes, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian or vegan meal,

    If you are pasta lover then you are surely going to love this recipe. I have used orzo, olive oil, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes from Delallo.

    Why orzo pasta salad with basil pesto and sun dried tomatoes?

    The best thing I love about this pasta is that you can serve it hot, cold and lukewarm. It tastes amazingly delicious anyways 🙂 So its perfect for picnics, potlucks, beach days. So why not make this for the July 4th weekend if you have planned outdoor activities and you are yet to decide on menu. When a flavorful meal is ready under 20 minutes, do you need anything else? For me this is the best!

    Why choose orzo pasta?

    My family loves all type of pastas but orzo is always a winner. Must be because of its taste, texture, shape and easy to eat (its spoon-able 🙂 )

    Also check out our easy and delicious orzo pasta for a quick lunchbox or weeknight dinner and best lemon garlic orzo pasta salad recipe. 

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, easy recipes for lunch, dinner, lunchbox, tailgate, potlucks, picnics

    And basil pesto??

    We just love it on anything from bread toast, to salad, to soup and even over grilled meat. It tastes so delicious and flavorful!

    And sun dried tomatoes?

    With little tanginess, slight sweetness, and chewy texture it takes the dish to the next level. These sun-dried tomatoes are packed in olive oil and a blend of fresh herbs.

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, instant pot pasta recipes

    The olive oil that I have used is infused with basil flavors which further enhances the dish.

    Basically, I have added all my family's favorite ingredients and this combination makes it an ultimate meal. Every spoon of this pasta is so tasty that it will not only disappear soon, but you will wish that you had prepared a little extra.

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, weeknight and weekend dinner or meal for small family or large crowd

    Preparation time : 20 minutes
    Serves : 3

    Ingredients for Orzo Pasta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Orzo - 1 ½ cup
    Olive oil - 2 tbsp
    Garlic cloves - 3
    Mushroom chopped - 4 oz
    Basil Pesto - ¾ cup
    Sun dried tomatoes - ¼ cup
    Parmesan cheese or Vegan cheese - ¼ cup
    Basil leaves torn - 6
    Salt - to taste

    Steps to prepare Orzo Pasta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Step I

    • Cook the orzo pasta with salt according to the package instructions.
    • Drain and keep it aside.

    Step II

    • Meanwhile heat olive oil in a nonstick pan on medium heat.
    • Add garlic cloves and saute till translucent.
    • Next add mushrooms and saute it for 3 to 4 minutes.
    • Add pesto and saute it for about 1 minute
    • Add cooked orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and basil leaves and mix till combined.
    • Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is now ready. Garnish it with some more cheese and basil leaves. Serve and enjoy

    Tip:

    • I have used orzo, olive oil, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes from Delallo.
    • Vary the amount of cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes as per your taste.
    • I have used basil flavored olive oil, regular olive oil will also work well.
    • Since I did not have fresh mushrooms I have added canned mushrooms in my recipe.

    Orzo with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, healthy pasta recipes for dinner and lunch

    Instant Pot Orzo Pasta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in instant pot on saute mode.
    • Add mushrooms and saute for 3 to 4 minutes stirring frequently.  Transfer this to plate and keep it aside.
    • Add another tablespoon of oil. Add garlic cloves and sauté till translucent. Turn off the instant pot.
    • Add water (or broth if using) and deglaze to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. for 1 ½ cup orzo you will have to add 2 ¾ cups of water or broth.
    • Add orzo, salt to taste and stir well. Close lid with vent in sealing position.
    • Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. When instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually.
    • Open the instant pot and add pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and basil leaves, sautéed mushrooms and mix till combined. Let this sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Adjust salt to taste.
    • Garnish with some more cheese and basil leaves before serving.
    Detailed recipe for Orzo Pasta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Recipe card

    Orzo pasta with pesto and sun dried tomatoes, orzo side dish, creamy orzo, orzo recipes , pesto pasta, basil pesto, Orzo recipes with chicken, orzo recipes vegetarian / how to cook orzo pasta / pesto uses / Creamy pesto pasta

    Orzo Pasta With Basil Pesto And Sun Dried Tomatoes - Stovetop Or Instant Pot

    Kushi
    Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable and flavorful, satisfying recipe that comes together quickly in about 20 minutes. The combination of orzo with rich pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese makes it a perfect family vegetarian or vegan meal!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine American, European, Italian
    Servings 3
    Calories 672 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cup Orzo
    • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
    • 3 cloves Garlic , chopped
    • 4 oz Mushroom , chopped
    • ¾ cup Basil pesto
    • ¼ cup Sun dried tomatoes
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (use vegan cheese for vegan version)
    • 6 Basil leaves , fresh torn
    • Salt , to taste

    Instructions
     

    Stove Top Orzo Pasta With Pesto And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    • Cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and keep it aside.
      1 ½ cup Orzo
    • Meanwhile heat olive oil in a nonstick pan on medium heat.
      2 tablespoon Olive oil
    • Add garlic cloves and saute till translucent.
      3 cloves Garlic
    • Next add mushrooms and saute it for 3 to 4 minutes.
      4 oz Mushroom
    • Add pesto and saute it for about 1 minute
      ¾ cup Basil pesto
    • Add cooked orzo, salt to taste, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and basil leaves and mix till combined.
      ¼ cup Sun dried tomatoes, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 6 Basil leaves, Salt
    • Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is now ready. Garnish it with some more cheese and basil leaves. Serve and enjoy

    Instant Pot Orzo Pasta With Pesto And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in instant pot on saute mode.
    • Add mushrooms and saute for 3 to 4 minutes stirring frequently.  Transfer this to plate and keep it aside
    • Add another tablespoon of oil. Add garlic cloves and sauté till translucent. Turn off the instant pot.
    • Add water (or broth if using) and deglaze to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. for 1 ½ cup orzo you will have to add 2 ¾ cups of water or broth.
    • Add orzo, salt to taste and stir well. Close lid with vent in sealing position.
    • Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. When instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually.
    • Open the instant pot and add pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and basil leaves, sautéed mushrooms and mix till combined. Let this sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with some more cheese and basil leaves before serving.

    Notes

    • Vary the amount of cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes as per your taste.
    • I have used basil-flavored olive oil, regular olive oil will also work well.
    • Since I did not have fresh mushrooms, I have added canned mushrooms in my recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 672kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 18gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 1130mgPotassium: 632mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1445IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 208mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    If you like this orzo pasta salad with basil pesto sauce and sun dried tomatoes,

    Don't miss to check out other delicious recipes for potlucks, picnics, tailgate events or any gathering.

    meatless burger, vegetarian and vegan protein packed sandwiches and burgers, vegan pita bread, pita wraps, pita chips, mezze tray, couscous salad, sandwich bread, dinner ideas, vegetarian meal, brown butter recipes

    Best Meatless black bean burger

    Breadless sandwich, eggless omelte, omelette, vegetarian protein pancakes, high proetin meal, Perfect healthy dosa batter or pancake batter for all vegetarian meal including lunch, breakfast, dinner

    breadless sandwich 

    vegan avocado bread, avocado recipes, diet food, pita wraps, pita chips, mezze tray, couscous salad, sandwich bread, dinner ideas, vegetarian meal, brown butter recipes

    Vegan Avocado Flatbread

    guacamole, mashed avocado, avocado dip, avocado toast, vegan avocado bread, avocado recipes, diet food, pita wraps, pita chips, mezze tray, couscous salad, sandwich bread, dinner ideas, vegetarian meal, brown butter recipes

    Best Avocado Dip

    Falafel, vegan glutenfree falafel patty, pita sandwich, pita burger, falafel sandwich, hummus spread, easy middle easter food recipes

    Falafel (Crispy Chickpea Patty)

    Broccoli garlic pasta, cold pasta salad, spaghetti pasta, pesto pasta, pasta salad, healthy pasta recipes for potlucks, picnics, tailgate or any gathering

    Broccoli garlic pasta

    For more recent updates, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter. 

    ***Click below to save it on Pinterest***

     Orzo with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable and flavorful, satisfying recipe that comes together quickly in about 20 minutes. The combination of orzo with rich pesto sauce, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese makes it a perfect family vegan or vegetarian meal!#orzorecipes #orzosalad #orzosidedish #przopasta #orzochicken #basilpesto#basilrecipes

    More Easy Lunch and Dinner Recipes (Quick+Healthy)

    • Hyderabadi chicken masala recipe - Indian chicken curry for any meal.
      Hyderabadi Chicken Masala
    • Pakki chicken biryani recipe - authentic and easy-to-make, simple homemade chicken biryani.
      Pakki Chicken Biryani Recipe
    • Black pepper chicken gravy - Chicken Kali mirch - side dish for naan, roti, chapati, dosa, rice.
      Pepper Chicken Gravy | Chicken Kali Mirch
    • Easy Chettinad chicken biryani recipe - spicy one-pot chicken biryani with raita.
      Chettinad Chicken Biryani

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen

      June 25, 2018 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! Perfect for summer potlock!

      Reply
    2. Marissa | Marissa's Teachable Moments

      June 25, 2018 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious!! I'm a fan of pretty much anything with sun dried tomatoes.

      Reply
    3. Erika Lancaster

      June 25, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely delicious! I don't believe I've ever had orzo before, but I do love sun-dried tomatoes and pesto! Must try this!

      Reply
    5 from 6 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Sridevi! I am a Software Engineer by qualification, a full-time Food Blogger by passion, a self-published Author, and a happy person two kids (monsters) ago.

    More about me →

    Best Casseroles

    • green bean casserole recipe from scratch with fresh beans, and fried onions, without mushroom soup
      Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Thanksgiving and Christmas Green Beans
    • cheesy corn casserole served in a baking pan along with a slice of toasted bread.
      Baked Corn Cheese Casserole | Cheesy Creamed Corn

    Chicken Recipes

    • Best, simple and authentic Indian butter chicken recipe (murgh makhani) with naan, roti, chapati.
      Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | Best Chicken Makhani
    • Best and easy chicken pulao with spicy and flavorful chicken thigh and drumsticks.
      Easy Chicken Pulao | Spicy One Pot Chicken Rice Pilaf

    See more Chicken recipes →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    Lists the popular websites in which cookwithkushi.com was featured.

    Copyright © 2024 Cook With Kushi

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.