Pea Spinach Pesto Orzo (Green Pasta Recipe)

The star of the show is the vibrant green pesto made from peas, spinach, and basil, which not only adds a burst of color to the plate but also a burst of flavour. The orzo pasta provides a comforting base for the dish, and the sautéed asparagus and garlic lend a subtle depth to the flavours. It's the perfect dish to bring some green goodness to your table. To finish it off, we'll top it with crumbled feta cheese for a touch of creaminess and saltiness. It's a quick and easy recipe that's sure to become a family favourite!

Ingredients:

For the Pea Spinach Pesto:

• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas

• 100g spinach leaves

• A handful of basil leaves

• Olive oil

• Salt

• 1 tbsp Nutritional yeast (optional)

• 8-10 walnuts

For the Orzo Pasta:

• Orzo pasta

• Asparagus

• Garlic

• Feta cheese

Prepare the Pea Spinach Pesto

Blanch the Peas and Spinach: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the peas and let them cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, introduce the spinach leaves into the same pot. Continue boiling for an additional 2 minutes. This quick blanching process helps retain the vibrant green color.

Ice Bath

Once the peas and spinach are cooked, strain them from the hot water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will halt the cooking process and keep the bright green colour intact. After a few minutes in the ice bath, drain them again.

Prepare the Pesto Base

Now, transfer the blanched peas and spinach to a food processor. Add the walnuts, a pinch of salt, and the handful of basil leaves. Optionally, you can include nutritional yeast for a delightful umami flavor.

Blitz the Ingredients: Pulse the ingredients in the food processor. For a smoother pesto, add a drizzle of olive oil as you go along, adjusting the quantity to achieve your preferred consistency. Don't forget to taste and season with additional salt if needed. Feel free to enhance the flavor with some lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper for an extra zing.

Prepare the Pasta

Cook Orzo: In a separate pot, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Sauté Asparagus and Garlic

In a pan, add a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and asparagus spears. Sauté them for a few minutes until the asparagus becomes tender and the garlic turns aromatic.

Combine with Pesto: Now, it's time to introduce the star of the show - the Pea Spinach Pesto. Add the prepared pesto to the pan with the sautéed asparagus and garlic.

Toss with Orzo

Add the cooked orzo pasta to the pan as well. Gently combine everything, ensuring the pesto thoroughly coats the pasta and vegetables. This is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together.

Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Pea Spinach Pesto Orzo onto plates, ensuring each serving is generous. For the finishing touch, crumble feta cheese over the top of each serving. The creamy and slightly salty feta complements the fresh and vibrant flavours of the dish beautifully.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the overall richness and bring everything together. And there you have it! A plate of Pea Spinach Pesto Orzo that's not only visually stunning but also a taste sensation. Enjoy the harmonious blend of fresh, vibrant greens, creamy pasta, and the savoury depth of feta cheese. This dish is an invitation to savour the simple joys of cooking and sharing a wonderful meal with loved ones. Bon appétit!

Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making.