Pesto Couscous: Quick, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

Pesto Couscous is a quick, vibrant dish that combines fluffy couscous with rich basil pesto and creamy Parmesan, perfect for lunch.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Couscous

1 ½ cups pearl couscous feel free to swap with traditional couscous for a different texture
1 ¾ cups water essential for cooking couscous
1 teaspoon kosher salt can replace with sea salt if preferred

For the Pesto Mixture

½ cup pesto try sun-dried tomato or kale pesto for a unique twist
½ cup Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast works well as a vegan substitute
1 teaspoon lemon zest lime zest can be a great alternative

For Garnish

¼ cup pine nuts optional for a tasty crunch
salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

medium saucepan
dry skillet

Method

Cooking Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine water and kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once boiling, stir in pearl couscous, cover the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
After cooking, fluff the couscous gently with a fork and set aside.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
In the saucepan with the fluffed couscous, mix in pesto, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest until evenly coated.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts, additional Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Choose Quality Pesto and make sure to fluff the couscous gently after cooking to prevent clumping. Adjust seasoning gradually to taste.

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