Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2 Shallots, finely chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more
1 lb. Orzo
1 cup Dry White Wine
Freshly Ground Pepper
6 oz. Sugar Snap Peas, strings removed, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Frozen Peas, thawed
1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
4 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, cut into small pieces
3 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup Store-Bought Pesto
Instructions
Heat 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Cook 2 shallots, finely chopped, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add 1 lb. orzo and cook, stirring often, until toasted and golden in spots, about 3 minutes. Add 1 cup dry white wine and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Season with lots of freshly ground pepper; cook, stirring often, until liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
Cook orzo, adding 5 cups of water a cupful at a time, stirring often and waiting until absorbed before adding more, until almost tender, about 15 minutes total.
Add 6 oz. sugar snap peas, strings removed, thinly sliced, ½ cup frozen peas, thawed, and another ½ cup water; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are crisp-tender and orzo is cooked through, 2–3 minutes. (Orzotto will continue to thicken as it cools.)
Remove from heat, add 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup), 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, and 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and stir until combined and melted. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Divide orzotto among shallow bowls and swirl a little of ½ cup store-bought pesto into each; sprinkle with more pepper.