Creamy Pesto Orzo With Cheesy Crunchy Cauliflower
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C (fan)/ gas 7 Boil a kettle Add your cauliflower florets, panko breadcrumbs and grated Italian hard cheese to a large bowl with a generous drizzle of olive oil and give everything a good mix up – this is your cheesy coated cauliflower

  2. Add the cheesy coated cauliflower to a baking paper-lined baking tray (or two!) with a little salt and pepper and put in the oven for 20-22 min or until the cauliflower is tender and the breadcrumbs are golden – this is your cheesey crunchy cauliflower

  3. While the cauliflower cooks, add your orzo to a pot of boiled water and bring to the boil over a high heat Cook the orzo for 6-8 min or until cooked with a slight bite Once done, drain the orzo and return to the pot, reserving a cup of starchy pasta water

  4. Wash your spinach then add to a colander and pour boiled water all over it so that it starts to wilt

  5. Chop your basil finely, including the stalks

  6. Once the cauliflower is nearly ready, return the orzo to a low heat Add your vegetable stock mix and soft cheese and stir it all together

  7. Add your traditional Italian pesto, wilted spinach and half the chopped basil (save the rest for later!) with a pinch of salt and pepper Give everything a good mix up – this is your creamy pesto orzo Tip: Add a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water if it is looking a little dry

  8. Serve the creamy pesto orzo and top with the cheesy crunchy cauliflower Garnish with the remaining chopped basil Enjoy!

Course🍽️Main Course

Diets🥕Vegetarian...

Category🍝Pasta

Cuisine🇮🇹Italian

Occasions🍲Comfort Food📆Everyday

Season🔁Year-round

DifficultyEasy ⏰ 30m

Loading...