Quick Lemon Asparagus Orzo Recipe
This Quick Lemon Asparagus Orzo recipe combines tender orzo pasta with fresh asparagus, snap peas, and vibrant lemon zest for a light, creamy, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Finished with fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese, it's a perfect springtime meal that's both easy and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Orzo and Pasta
- 6 ounces dry orzo pasta (about 1 cup)
Vegetables
- 1 extra large bunch asparagus, tough ends removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup snap peas, sliced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Herbs and Flavorings
- 1 small lemon, zested
- ¼ to ½ cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, dill, or basil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ to ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled (more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the hot salted pasta water before draining the orzo.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and chopped garlic, cooking until golden and fragrant. Add the asparagus pieces and sliced snap peas, then reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring frequently and scraping the shallots from the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then add the lemon zest.
- Combine Pasta with Vegetables: Add the warm, drained orzo to the skillet with the vegetables. Incorporate the crumbled goat cheese and gradually add reserved hot pasta water a little at a time, stirring to loosen the mixture to your preferred creamy consistency.
- Season and Finish: Fold in the chopped fresh herbs and optional tarragon, stirring until everything is evenly combined and creamy. Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the creaminess and consistency of the dish.
- Fresh herbs can be customized according to preference or availability; parsley, dill, or basil all work well.
- Optional tarragon adds a nice anise-like flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is free from animal rennet.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/quick-lemon-asparagus-orzo-recipe/