ORZO WITH PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

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

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 !!

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 🙂 )

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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