Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time, this Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus is your new best friend! Creamy, buttery orzo combined with tender asparagus and plenty of garlic makes for a dish that’s simple yet luxurious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
Versatile: Works as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, or parmesan to make it even more filling.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the buttery goodness.
Asparagus: Fresh, vibrant, and slightly crisp, adding the perfect pop of green.
Garlic: The star of the show! Adds bold, savory flavor.
Butter: Gives the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Olive Oil: Helps balance the butter and enhances the overall taste.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Infuses the orzo with extra depth and flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with a fresh, zesty touch.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds a nutty, salty kick.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Asparagus: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo back into the pan with the garlic butter. Pour in the broth and stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
Add Asparagus & Seasonings: Stir in the sautéed asparagus, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
Finish with Parmesan (Optional): If using, sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate up the orzo while warm, garnishing with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 (varies based on ingredients)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides:
- Grilled Chicken or Salmon for a protein-packed meal.
- Garlic Bread because more garlic is always a good idea.
- Roasted Vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients.
- A Crisp Side Salad to balance out the richness.
Additional Tips
- Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra butter at the end.
- Make it heartier by adding cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy bacon.
- Use frozen asparagus if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- For extra zest, add lemon zest along with the juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While orzo works best, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can be good substitutes.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap butter for extra olive oil and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. How do I keep the asparagus bright green?
Cook it just until tender-crisp and avoid overcooking—it should stay vibrant!
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
5. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu make great additions.
6. Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but broth adds a lot more flavor. If using water, add extra seasoning.
7. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir it frequently while cooking and rinse lightly after draining.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it ahead and reheat gently with a little extra broth or butter.
9. What can I use instead of asparagus?
Try peas, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for a delicious variation.
10. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or swap in quinoa for a similar texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus is the perfect mix of comfort and freshness, coming together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side dish or turning it into a full meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you start craving it all the time!
PrintGarlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
This Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus is a light and flavorful dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh asparagus. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
2. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the asparagus, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
– Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
– For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
