Orzo with Asparagus
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and creamy Orzo with Asparagus recipe, a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication! Tender orzo pasta mingles with sautéed asparagus in a light, velvety Parmesan and lemon zest-infused sauce, all brought together in just 30 minutes. This wholesome dish is elevated by the addition of fresh garlic, a splash of vegetable or chicken broth, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant side dish. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly option or a versatile recipe to complement grilled chicken or seafood, this orzo recipe is both satisfying and refreshingly light.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 pound Asparagus
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-2 inch pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, according to package directions (approximately 8-10 minutes). Drain, but reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it in the oil for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still vibrant green.
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet with the asparagus. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the asparagus and broth. Mix until well combined.
Add the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1494 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.8 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3555 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.4 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 70.7 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1085 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 1075 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
