Description
A delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with vibrant asparagus, tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Asparagus Mixture:
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Asparagus: Add asparagus, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté until tender-crisp.
- Combine: Reduce heat, add cooked orzo, remaining butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Finish: Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley. Toss until creamy. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added protein, add chicken or shrimp.
- For a richer texture, add cream.
- Use thin asparagus for quicker cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
