Pin this A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring orzo (risoni) tossed in a rich garlicky pesto cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (1½ cups) risoni (orzo) pasta
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 200 ml (¾ cup plus 2 tbsp) heavy cream 100 g (about ½ cup) basil pesto (store bought or homemade) 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese Zest of ½ lemon Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts Fresh basil leaves, to serve Extra grated Parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook risoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and lemon zest. Cook for 1 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 4:
- Add the drained risoni, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky, creamy sauce.
- Step 5:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6:
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan.
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Pin this Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What is risoni pasta?
Risoni, also known as orzo, is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and works well in creamy sauces.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for this dish?
Absolutely. Homemade basil pesto adds fresh flavors and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- → How do I get a creamy sauce without it being too thick?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it gradually to the skillet while tossing the pasta to create a silky, smooth sauce.
- → What are good alternatives to risoni?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni work well if risoni isn’t available.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor?
Toasted pine nuts add crunch while fresh basil leaves bring herbal aroma; extra Parmesan adds savory depth.