Description
Garlic butter asparagus orzo brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table with creamy pasta and tender green spears. Herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge orzo and cook until achieving a perfect al dente texture, typically requiring 8-10 minutes of simmering. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve to the side.
- Simultaneously, warm olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce asparagus spears, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetable reaches a vibrant, tender-crisp state.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute. The fragrance will signal the garlic’s perfect infusion with the asparagus.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked orzo into the skillet, blending it harmoniously with the sautéed asparagus. Incorporate the remaining butter, zesty lemon rind, and tangy lemon juice. Gently stir until the butter melts completely, creating a luxurious coating across the ingredients.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Taste and refine the seasoning as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Garnish with delicate, chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Choose firm, bright green asparagus with tight tips for the best texture and flavor in this dish.
- Rinse asparagus thoroughly and trim the woody ends before slicing to ensure tender, delicious bites.
- Quickly sauté asparagus to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking which can make it mushy.
- Experiment with alternative cheeses like pecorino or nutritional yeast for dairy-free or vegan variations of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg