Description
A delightful dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with garlic-infused butter, vibrant asparagus, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon zest, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Garlic Butter:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic, then toast the orzo until golden.
- Cook with Asparagus: Add asparagus, pour in vegetable broth, and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if not vegetarian.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or sautéed shallots.
- This dish complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
