Lemon-Basil Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts
Elevate your dining experience with this delightful Lemon-Basil Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts. This flavorful dish features tender orzo pasta tossed in a luscious buttery sauce, enriched with crushed garlic and the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, while aromatic herbs like basil and parsley provide a refreshing herbal note. Perfect as a light main course or a sophisticated side dish, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. Make it, share it, and enjoy the celebration of wholesome ingredients!
6
Servings
125
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
pine nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (minced)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (minced)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2
While the orzo is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
3
Stir in the toasted pine nuts and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the nuts to absorb the flavors.
4
Once the orzo is ready, drain it well and add it to the skillet with the garlic and pine nuts. Toss everything together gently to combine.
5
Drizzle the lemon juice over the orzo, then add the minced basil and parsley. Toss again to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Consider adding more lemon juice for an extra zing, if desired.
7
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs or pine nuts if you like.
Nutrition Information
5.8g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Basil Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts?
It is a flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long does it take to cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo should be cooked in boiling salted water for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from unsalted butter, crushed garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Which fresh herbs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons each of minced fresh basil and fresh parsley.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5.8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Should the garlic be minced or crushed?
The recipe specifies using 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How much lemon juice should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more if you prefer a zingier flavor.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as a light main course or a sophisticated side dish.
What is the preparation method for the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted before being added to the dish.
When do I add the herbs to the orzo?
The minced basil and parsley are added after the orzo has been tossed with the butter, garlic, and pine nuts.
Is the orzo cooked before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, the orzo is boiled separately and drained before being combined with the other ingredients in the skillet.
How much uncooked orzo is needed?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long should I saute the garlic?
Saute the garlic in melted butter for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to taste and can add extra lemon juice if desired.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
You can garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs or extra toasted pine nuts.
Does this recipe belong to a specific cuisine?
This recipe is categorized under European cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The butter and garlic should be prepared over medium heat.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you could use dried herbs in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no significant sugar content.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender pasta with a luscious buttery coating and a nutty crunch from the pine nuts.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels.