Description
Silky “Creamy Asparagus Pasta” merges Italian culinary elegance with spring’s freshest produce. Green spears dance through rich, velvety sauce, inviting you to savor each delightful forkful of seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, tips only (cut 2–3 inches from top)
- 1 cup (236 milliliters) dry orzo
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk (or cream for richness)
- Shredded Parmesan, for garnish
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and cook the orzo until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package guidelines for precise cooking time.
- During the final two minutes of orzo cooking, introduce the delicate asparagus tips into the boiling water, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant green.
- Drain the orzo and asparagus in a colander, allowing excess water to escape completely.
- Select a spacious skillet and melt the butter over medium heat, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
- Carefully introduce minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring continuously to release its aromatic essence without allowing it to brown or burn.
- Gently fold the cooked orzo and blanched asparagus into the fragrant garlic butter, ensuring each grain and tip is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Pour in the milk, stirring softly to develop a smooth, luxurious consistency throughout the pasta.
- Add chopped parsley for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Warm the mixture for approximately one minute, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a harmonious dish.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Prevent overcooking asparagus by blanching briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Customize the pasta by substituting orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells for varied mouthfeel.
- Boost protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon for a more substantial meal.
- Create a dairy-free version using plant-based milk and nutritional yeast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg