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Lemon Pesto Pasta made with homemade pesto is guaranteed to be a family favorite. With a hearty pesto flavor and a delicious hint of lemon, it makes one amazing side dish!
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4 from 1 vote

Lemon Pesto Rice

Lemon Pesto Pasta made with homemade pesto is guaranteed to be a family favorite. With a hearty pesto flavor and a delicious hint of lemon, it makes one amazing side dish!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 251kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onions, chopped
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup prepared pesto sauce
  • salt to taste

For the Homemade Pesto Sauce

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 bunch basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground pepper

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. 
  • Add onions and cook until softened.
  • Add rice and cook, stirring regularly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until coated with oil and lightly browned.
  • Add broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pesto sauce. Stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. 
  • Bring to a boil and then lower heat. Cover pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on for about 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is fluffy and tender and liquid is absorbed. 
  • Remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes. With a fork, fluff rice and serve hot.

For the Homemade Pesto Sauce

  • In a food processor, combine pine nuts, basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and pepper until smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 470mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 10.7mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.7mg