Introduction
Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish. Tender asparagus pairs beautifully with creamy Parmesan orzo, infused with garlic and a hint of lemon for a bright finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, add the drained orzo to the skillet. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Add Protein for a Complete Meal
Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to make this dish more filling. Grilled chicken slices or sautéed shrimp complement the creamy orzo and asparagus flavors perfectly. - Make it Vegan
Replace butter with vegan margarine and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese substitute. Ensure the vegetable broth is free from animal derivatives for a fully vegan version. - Use Different Vegetables
Swap asparagus for other seasonal vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or broccoli. Blanch harder vegetables like broccoli before adding them to the skillet for a quicker cooking process.
Cooking Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added flavor if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish
Serve Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo alongside grilled or roasted proteins like chicken, fish, or steak for a well-rounded meal. The creamy orzo and vibrant asparagus make a perfect companion to hearty mains. - As a Light Main Course
Enjoy this dish on its own for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a fresh side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors of the orzo. - For Entertaining
This dish works wonderfully as part of a buffet or potluck spread. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley just before serving to add an elegant touch that impresses guests.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus
For the best texture and flavor, select asparagus stalks that are firm and bright green. Trim the woody ends to ensure tender pieces in every bite. - Use High-Quality Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor significantly compared to pre-grated options. Opt for Parmigiano-Reggiano for an authentic, nutty taste. - Add Broth Gradually if Needed
If the dish seems dry when combining the orzo with asparagus, stir in a splash of warm vegetable broth to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo can be prepared in advance. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency. However, it’s best served fresh to maintain the tender-crisp texture of the asparagus. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Orzo can be substituted with small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type. - What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp. A crisp side salad or crusty garlic bread also makes for a fantastic addition to the meal. - How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of broth or water to restore its creamy texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a comforting main course or a delightful side, this recipe combines tender asparagus, creamy Parmesan, and zesty lemon in every bite. It’s simple enough for weeknight meals and elegant enough to impress your guests. Give it a try and savor the irresistible flavors!
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Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish. Tender asparagus pairs beautifully with creamy Parmesan orzo, infused with garlic and a hint of lemon for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, add the drained orzo to the skillet. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added flavor if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Creamy Orzo, Garlic Butter Asparagus, Quick Dinner, Parmesan Orzo