Creamy Pesto Orzo with Roasted Veg is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a creamy pesto sauce and a medley of roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect as a main course or a side and is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

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)

Timing

Making the Creamy Pesto Orzo with Roasted Veg takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Roast Veggies: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. Boil Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Drain and Combine: Drain the orzo and return it to the saucepan. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Mix in Roasted Veg: Once the vegetables are done roasting, gently fold them into the creamy pesto orzo.
2. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with additional pesto or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Creamy Pesto Orzo with Roasted Veg (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	10g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots based on your preference.
• Protein Additions: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan pesto.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Orzo with Roasted Veg is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of creamy pesto and the freshness of roasted vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a delightful side dish for gatherings. Enjoy this delightful recipe!