Bitter Greens and Walnut Pesto Orzo

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

   ~10 min
2. 2

   While the orzo cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the arugula, toasted walnuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese.

   ~2 min
3. 3

   Pulse the ingredients until roughly chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

   ~3 min
4. 4

   Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the pesto. Adjust seasoning to taste.

   ~1 min
5. 5

   Once the orzo is cooked, drain it well using a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

   ~2 min
6. 6

   Return the drained orzo to the large pot. Add the prepared pesto and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a creamy consistency.

   ~2 min
7. 7

   Serve immediately.