Description
Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is a comforting and elegant dish featuring tender orzo pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with sautéed asparagus and garlic butter. Perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the cream, Parmesan, remaining 1 tbsp butter, and cooked asparagus. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp to turn it into a protein-packed main dish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: creamy orzo, garlic butter asparagus, asparagus pasta, vegetarian pasta, one pot orzo