I am a big fan of one pot meals. I like having one dish to clean. I like plopping the one pot down in the center of the table and saying dig in and most of all I like the taste of a one post dish with all the individual flavors melding together to create the most fantastic bite of goodness.
Now although this is a one-pot meal it is vegetarian, as in NO MEAT. Yes, you out there who must have your meat (or rather your husbands who must have their meat) by all means feel free to add in a cup of diced rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp, either would be wonderful addition. I like having simple meals like this during the week and with so much flavor I promise you wont’ even care there is no meat. The star of this dish is the artichoke pesto, Some condiments just go with everything like bbq sauce and Italian dressing. I have never met a chicken, steak or piece of seafood that did not fair well with a dash of either. Then there is pesto. With a wide array of pesto variations, you can’t really go wrong with it. Walnut Pesto, Parsley Pesto, Red Pepper Pesto, the possibilites are endless but if I dare to say I shall crown artichoke pesto the hands down winner in my book. It is full of the wonderful aroma of basil and parsley, the nuttiness of pecans and the buttery flavor of grilled artichoke hearts. Drool……….
Know what I think? I think if your going to have roasted garlic then you need cherry tomatoes and if your gonna have cherry tomatoes then you need corn. Know what else I think, I think that orzo is quite simply the easiest thing in the world to cook. You can’t mess it up. You don’t need to measure out the perfect ratio between rice and water. You don’t have to sit there and stir or watch carefully as it steams away. You just boil water, drop in orzo and let it go. I just love it which is why your going to LOVE this one pot easy peasy Lemon Orzo with Artichoke Pesto, Roasted Garlic, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes. Pinky Promise.
Orzo with Lemon Artichoke Pesto, Roasted Garlic, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis and Too Many Chefs
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen artichoke hearts, drained or 1 14 oz. can of drained artichoke hearts
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ⅓ cup parsley
- ⅓ cup basil
- 1 tsp minced roasted garlic (you can find this in a glass jar in your grocery store) stock up- its so good and helps when you are in a bind)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ tsp salt and pepper each
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ( may need more based on personal preference and type of artichokes used)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 pound of orzo
- kernels from 2 corn on the cobs, cobs can be either grilled, steamed, boiled or roasted
- 1-1½ cups of cherry tomatoes (your preference)
Instructions
- Combine ¾ of the artichokes in a blender or food processor with the pecans, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, lemon juice and garlic. Pulse until combined then slowly being pouring in the oil pulsing until pesto is nice and smooth. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, boil the orzo according to the package directions, drain. If you are grilling/roasting your corn then butter each side and place on high heat or 400 for 10 minutes. If you are boiling the corn, place corn cobs in a large stockpot of boiling water and boil for 5-7 minutes. Regardless of method allow corn to cool and then remove kernels from the cob.
- Combine the corn, orzo, artichoke pesto, parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes and the remaining ¼ cup of artichoke hearts. Toss and enjoy.
I just want to grab my fork and go diggin in it just looks that good
I’m a big fan of one-pot meals too–easy to serve, easy clean-up, what could be better? This one looks delicious–so light and healthy, but hearty enough for dinner. Yum!
Hand me a fork pleeeeeeeeeeeese! Love your artichoke pesto.
I am a big fan of frozen artichokes and of lemons. I am also a big fan of the one-dish meal, although I don’t succeed in making them very often. I’ll try to do better …
Hey Jessica,
I am not particular about adding meat/fish to my meals like you. One-pot meals are welcome and artichoke and lemons sounds lovely together ..I must try this— yet another of your flavorful creations!
Thanks Malli:)
I aimlessly picked up a bag of orzo at the grocery store last week. I had nothing in mind other than the fact that we didn’t have any. Now I feel a purpose!! This looks delicious and a good side to several dishes as well.
Best,
Bonnie
I love orzo. You can throw anything in it and it tastes great hot or cold. I’m also loving the sound of artichoke pesto. I definitely have to make some of that. My kids would devour this, but my daughter loves her meat, so I might pair this with a turkey sausage or chicken breast. I’m so going to make this!
I love a one pot meal too. This recipe would be a hit at my house.
I’m also a big fan of easy clean up one pot meal plus 4 dishes, too! This looks really delish Jessica! Love artichokes and this dish can be pretty versatile. My husband probably need some kind of meat like chicken. Thanks for the yummy and easy recipe!
Oh nami, it is very easy to adjust this to your liken. I think next time I might even add some chicken or maybe even pork
For sure a one pot meal is a blessing! I really can’t stand washing dishes and I think there not enough one pot meals in the world to save my hands from dishwashing soup.
I d love this with shrimps, sounds amazing!
I love one pot meals! Especially this one. Roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes is one of my favorite flavor combos, and you’ve made it even more delicious!
Great idea! I have some leftover orzo I need to use.
This orzo dish looks so delicious and healthy! I love one-pot meals!
I am all for quick and easy recipes! This looks so yummy too!
What a great meal! Adding the roasted corn is sure to “freshen it up” a bit. Their “pop” is irresistible.
Oh yes- their pop truly is especially when it has that roasted flavor. so glad you stopped by
This does look like a one pot wonder! I would devour this!
This dish is a mix of SO many of my favorite flavors. how have I never thought of artichoke pesto before!?!?
One pot meals are a mom’s best friend. So easy to put together and always a pleaser.
Great weeknight pasta dish
Thanks Roxana!
Definitely one of my ideal meals! Easy to take leftovers to work and super delicious!
Who doesn’t love one pot meal! Roasted garlic cherry tomatoes and artichokes. I love canned artichokes. This is delicious. I have to find if there is such thing as gluten free orzo.
Oh Jess! I love everything about this pasta! Never seen gluten free orzo but will look for it.
Me neither but with all the products out there I am sure there is bound to be some gluten free orzo
you are so right abt one pot meal..saves some washing up! your photo looks fantastic , i can just imagine how flavourful this is!!
Gorgeous! I could eat a box of orzo in one sitting, I’m fairly certain 🙂 Love your dressed up version!
I love meals like that, as you said: dump the pan down on the table and tell everyone to dig in! Seems like such a fun, communal way of eating. I don’t eat much meat… I personally think many folks eat way too much, so something like this in its original form would easily be found on my table. Love the addition of artichoke… I don’t eat nearly as much of those delicious little gems as I should!
I’m all about one pot meals as well, easy and satisfying!
Amazing! Looks delicious and easy to prepare too.
We are such artichoke fans so I am really looking forward to making this. Thanks so much for the nice compliment on our grandsons. Eli is a little over five months old.
The artichokes truly make the dish both as a whole and in the pesto! Hope you get a chance to try it
I’m all about one pot meals as well!! Gotta love this recipe Jessica! It’s packed with beautiful colors and delicious flavors 🙂
I am in love with orzo and have been for some time. We use it all of the time and reach for it instead of rice. Great one pot meal and so many possibilities too. Love your recipe.
Sam
I don’t cook with artichokes nearly enough! I love the colors in this dish and can tell it’s SO flavorful!
each & every february {believe it or not}, i get such a happy feeling when i visit your site. memories of those days that i discovered the wonderful world of blogging… & ‘blog friends’… & the ability to get so incredibly inspired by the little things (“running to target to buy a heart-shaped baking tray”… remember that post??)… xoxo {this looks delicious… i have artichokes in my freezer that i was wondering what i was going to do with…)
Hey, This orzo post is looking so good and Amazing! A very well made post with beautiful pictures. I’ve bookmarked this special recipe of yours and would love to give it a shot soon. Thanks for sharing your well prepared and presented posts. Shall look forward to your next post.
Have a wonderful week ahead. Take care.
Thanks & Regards, Sonia!!!
Yum, this looks delicious! My mouth is totally watering. This looks like the perfect antidote to some of the heavier meals I’ve been indulging in this winter!
Wow, you have a lot of good flavors going on in this dish. I know it wouldn’t miss the meat at all.
All of the ingredients speak to me Jessica and they are saying HAVE ME NOW! I love artichoke, lemon and roasted garlic and then you add pesto and I’m in heaven.
Gorgeous Dish, and one that my vegetarian husband in particular would love. I try to keep canned artichoke hearts on hand in the pantry for meals such as this; they lend great flavor and body, especially if you are cooking meatless. Yum!
I love one-pot meals too and I never miss the meat. This looks fabulous. I would enjoy it!
Velva
I love easy meals like this! You just reminded me that I haven’t had any pesto-based dishes in a while and I’ll need to remedy that ASAP 🙂
I enjoy the texture of orzo. Love the citrus in this, along with all my favorite ingredients such as artichoke and pesto – and oh my roasted garlic? Flavorful and yum… <3
Okay now this is my kind of recipe!! Really looks so delicious!!
Absolutely scrumptious!
I stopped getting notification for your posts so I resubscribed. I hope it is all sorted out now.
Have a beautiful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
What perfect meatless recipe with so many exciting flavors! Artichoke pesto? Wow, I’m in heaven with that addition! Hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day Jessica! (pinned and plussed)
xo
Roz
I make a similar salad but instead of parmesan cheese I put feta in cubes. And if I don’t have artichokes hearts I use hearts of palm and it’s delicious.
I am a one pot meal kind of girl, and if it is vegetarian even better.My husband and boys don’t know what to do without meat during a meal. I think adding rotisserie chicken is a excellent idea. This is a nice spring dish.
Velva
This is a dish I could learn to adore. Pesto, artichoke, roasted garlic corn and cherry tomatoes would pair so well with orzo.
Just checked I have orzo in the cupboard which I do so this is exactly what I will be having for my dinner tonight. Thank you Belle!
Have a beautiful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Oh my goodness I love this dish. You are so right – roasted garlic, you need corn and tomatoes. I bet nobody complained about the lack of meat and we are all about those meatless meals! Pesto was also brilliant. Have a great weekend!
I love one pot meals too. The colours in this fish are wonderful. I can see poaching an egg for a little heartier dish.
Absolutely mind blowing. I was looking for salad recipe and landed here, Your is just amazing. Definitely this salad is a big hit 🙂 Will give a try soon.!!