Pesto Orzo ~ our go-to pot luck meal

Joe and I have been preparing this dish for years.  We've served this for company as well as taken it to pot luck dinners and parties.  We even quadrupled the recipe and served it at our friends' small, backyard wedding.

It's been a while since I made it, mainly because it makes a lot.  For all the times we've doubled, tripled and quadrupled the recipe, it's never occurred to me to halve the recipe since it makes so much!

Over the weekend, my niece celebrated her high school graduation with a small backyard party with her friends.  Since Amanda always helps out by making cupcakes for Grace's birthday parties, I wanted to contribute something to her party.  I decided I'd make Pesto Orzo since it's easy and can be served either hot or cold.

Not knowing how many people to expect, I doubled the recipe, but we could have gotten away with just a single batch.  No worries, we'll enjoy the leftovers!

Pesto Orzo 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 6 carrots, sliced into coins 
• 1 1/2 large onions, diced
• 1 1/2 large red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 bunch broccoli, chopped
• Classico Basil Pesto Sauce 
• 1 box orzo pasta, cooked/drained

Directions:  

• Saute carrots and onions in hot olive oil until carrots start to become tender. 
• Add diced peppers and minced garlic and continue to cook until vegetables are tender.  
• Stir in broccoli and cover.  Cook until broccoli is tender.  
• Add in desired amount of pesto sauce (I used about 3/4 jar). 
• Combine with the already cooked orzo pasta.

Notes:  

• This dish can be served hot or cold.  As a side dish or a main course.  
• We often make this with chicken, too.  Just saute bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast, in hot oil until no longer pink.  Remove from pan and set aside.  In the same pan, start with step one.  Add chicken back in before adding in the broccoli. Stir in the broccoli and allow chicken to cook through.  

Do you have a go-to recipe for company?  Or that you like to take to a pot luck dinner?  If so, share in the comments!  

This recipe has been linked to the following blog carnivals and linky parties:

• Tempt My Tummy Tuesday hosted by Blessed with Grace 
• Tasty Tuesdays hosted by 33 Shades of Green
• Tuesdays at the Table hosted by All the Small Stuff
• Show & Tell Saturday hosted by The Peaceful Mom