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.
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
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup parsley
- 1/3 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
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper each
- 1/2 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
- 1-1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes (your preference)
Instructions
Combine 3/4 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 1/4 cup of artichoke hearts. Toss and enjoy.
http://www.kitchenbelleicious.com/2012/10/01/orzo-with-lemon-artichoke-pesto-roasted-garlic-corn-and-cherry-tomatoes/Kitchen Belleicious
I just want to grab my fork and go diggin in it just looks that good
Kelli H recently posted..Fall must haves…on the hunt
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!
Shea recently posted..September Roundup: What I Wore, What I Bought
Hand me a fork pleeeeeeeeeeeese! Love your artichoke pesto.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Walnut stuffed Dates with Coconut
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 …
StephenC recently posted..Broiled chicken thighs
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!
Malli recently posted..# 234 McCall’s Cooking School-Fish Filets in Fancy Dress
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!
jackie@marin mama cooks recently posted..Marin mama’s weekly dinner menu
I love a one pot meal too. This recipe would be a hit at my house.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Lemon Pull-Apart Bread & A Giveaway
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!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Miso Sea Bass
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!
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..Comment on Baked Layered Polenta Casserole by Helene Dsouza
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!
Kristy recently posted..Pardon the Interruption
Great idea! I have some leftover orzo I need to use.
yummychunklet recently posted..TwD: Baking Cranberry-Walnut Pumpkin Mini Loaves with Julia
This orzo dish looks so delicious and healthy! I love one-pot meals!
Melanie @ Easy Recipes With Pictures recently posted..Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
I am all for quick and easy recipes! This looks so yummy too!
Asmita recently posted..“Doodhi ka Halwa” or White Gourd Pudding
What a great meal! Adding the roasted corn is sure to “freshen it up” a bit. Their “pop” is irresistible.
ChgoJohn recently posted..Fig Preserves with Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper
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!
Geni recently posted..A Retro Salad Re-do {80′s Style Asian Inspired Shrimp Salad with Soy and Citrus Vinaigrette}
This dish is a mix of SO many of my favorite flavors. how have I never thought of artichoke pesto before!?!?
Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Asian Sesame Tofu with Braised Winter Squash and Green Beans
One pot meals are a mom’s best friend. So easy to put together and always a pleaser.
Great weeknight pasta dish
Roxana | Roxana’s Home Baking recently posted..Chewy chocolate chip coconut cookies
Thanks Roxana!
Definitely one of my ideal meals! Easy to take leftovers to work and super delicious!
Sues recently posted..Mini Greek Salad Pizzas
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.
Balvinder recently posted..Balsamic Squash And Kale In Rice tarts
Oh Jess! I love everything about this pasta! Never seen gluten free orzo but will look for it.
Baker Street recently posted..Pumpkin Coffee Cake
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!!
lena recently posted..Roti Paun
Gorgeous! I could eat a box of orzo in one sitting, I’m fairly certain
Love your dressed up version!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite recently posted..Five {or Six…or Seven} Things Friday
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!
Charles recently posted..Guest Post: Ggaennip Kimchi
I’m all about one pot meals as well, easy and satisfying!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Raw Double Layer Chocolate Fudge with Cacao Nibs
Amazing! Looks delicious and easy to prepare too.
Texas recently posted..Best Barbecue Spots in Texas – Another Texan’s Spin On Texas BBQ
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.
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking recently posted..Orchards And Do You Respect Your Elders?
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
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted..Coconut Fish Curry