Meatless Monday: Orzo with Artichokes and Pine Nuts

Orzo is a small pasta that looks like overgrown rice. If you have a hard time finding it, you can substitute another small pasta like mini penne instead for similiar results.

Orzo with Artichokes and Pine Nuts

1 1/2 c orzo (10 oz)

1/3 c toasted pine nuts (optional)

1/2 c diced onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 T butter

1/4 c olive oil

1 can artichokes (14 oz) - rinsed to remove brine and chopped

2 T lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tsp lemon zest

2 T parsley

Cook pasta in salted water to al dente. Drain and set aside. If using pine nuts, toast in oven at 350 for abour 5 minutes. Saute onion and garlic in 1 T butter and 1 T olive oil until soft. Add artichoke. Saute for 3 more min. Stir together remaining olive oil and seasonings. Remove pan from heat. Add orzo, pine nuts and olive oil mixture to the onion mixture in pan tossing to coat.