Orzo Risotto with Creamy Pinenut and Garlic Chive Sauce

This dish will make a great appetizer as a first course or an excellent “starch” on a main course dish. Serve this creamy dish in deep pasta bowls with your favourite grilled fish, poultry or meat, or as an appetizer with toasted garlic bread.

Cooking Instructions

In a large pot of boiling lightly salted water, cook orzo for about 8 minutes or just until tender, but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet melt butter over medium-low heat; cook garlic and onions, for about 3-4 minutes or until onions are softened. Add wine and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in Cream and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Add orzo to the cream sauce; stirring constantly bring to a simmer. Stir in chopped chives, Cheddar and Blue cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with pine nuts.

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) orzo pasta

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped garlic

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped onion

  • 3/4 cup (175 mL) dry Canadian white wine

  • 1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping Cream

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped chives

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded old Canadian white Cheddar cheese

  • 2 oz (60 g) Canadian Blue cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper

  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) toasted pine nuts