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.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-2 inch pieces.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still vibrant green.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the asparagus and broth. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1278.2 grams (1278.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1494

Total Fat 61.80g	79%
Saturated Fat 22.60g	113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.90g
Cholesterol 89mg	30%
Sodium 3555mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 176.40g	64%
Dietary Fiber 21.10g	75%
Total Sugars 13.20g
Protein 70.70g	141%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1085mg	83%
Iron 18mg	98%
Potassium 1075mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.0%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 45.7%