Name: Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Chopped fresh parsley

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Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is that one-pan wonder you’ll find yourself craving every time spring rolls around. The magic lies in its velvety texture, the pop of fresh asparagus, and the cozy hug of garlic-infused butter. It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making this dish the ultimate weeknight comfort meal or a delicious, crowd-pleasing side for any dinner party.

Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this simple line-up plays a special role: creamy cheese for richness, fresh asparagus for color and crunch, and a little citrus to pull everything together. You don’t need much to make this Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus absolutely unforgettable!

Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all the creamy flavors.
Olive Oil: A drizzle brings out the flavor and keeps the orzo from sticking.
Unsalted Butter: Adds that signature silkiness and makes the base for the garlic sauce.
Garlic, minced: Nothing beats the aroma and depth of freshly minced garlic.
Asparagus: Trimmed and cut, these gorgeous green spears add a pop of color and a wonderful bite.
Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: This infuses flavor and tenderizes the pasta without overpowering saltiness.
Heavy Cream: The star for that luscious, creamy finish everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts right in for sharp, nutty depth.
Salt: Just a touch to highlight all the flavors.
Black Pepper: For a gentle kick and balance.
Lemon Juice: Brings a burst of brightness to contrast the richness.
Lemon Zest: Lifts the whole dish and gives every bite a hint of sunshine.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready

Start by prepping all your veggies and measuring out the ingredients. Trim the asparagus, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and have everything within arm’s reach. Having your ingredients ready makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Next, add the orzo and keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes. Toasting the orzo at this point gives it an extra layer of flavor and helps set up the base for our Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus.

Step 3: Add Asparagus and Broth

Toss in all those beautiful asparagus pieces, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your pan and let everything simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes; the orzo should get tender, and most of the broth will be absorbed, making everything nice and creamy.

Step 4: Make it Creamy and Bright

Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This is where the dish comes alive! Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until everything is velvety, creamy, and steaming hot.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Your Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is ready for the spotlight, with flecks of green and golden cheese shimmering right on top.

How to Serve Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is always a must, but you can dial things up with lemon zest, an extra flourish of grated Parmesan, or even a few toasted pine nuts for some crunch. They all add color and a bit of elegance to your dish!

Side Dishes

Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a handful of pan-seared shrimp tossed right in. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, try serving it alongside a leafy green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish in individual bowls lets everyone appreciate those lovely pops of green. For special occasions, mound it onto a platter, garnish generously, and finish with extra lemon zest. You can even spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves for a playful, colorful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus keeps well for up to three days, making it a fantastic lunch or next-day side dish.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh (since creams and cheeses can sometimes separate after freezing), you can freeze it if needed. Let the orzo cool completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of cream to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I swap the asparagus for another vegetable?

Absolutely! Peas or small broccoli florets are wonderful in Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus, especially when asparagus isn’t in season. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to keep the veggies tender yet crisp.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the butter with vegan butter or more olive oil, use a plant-based cream (like coconut or cashew), and seek out a vegan Parmesan alternative. The result will still be luscious and satisfying.

Will gluten-free orzo work?

It sure will! Most gluten-free orzo brands work well in this recipe, though you may need to adjust the simmer time and keep an eye on how much broth is needed as different gluten-free pastas absorb liquid differently.

Can I add extra protein?

Yes, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp turn Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus into a hearty main course. Simply cook your protein separately and stir it in at the end.

Does this dish work as a cold pasta salad?

While it’s best served warm to enjoy the full creaminess, leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Add a bit more lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick meals with restaurant-worthy flair, Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus is your ticket to easy elegance at home. It’s vibrant, creamy, and packs an irresistible garlicky punch. Give it a try the next time you want to impress yourself or your guests with something both effortless and unforgettable!

Creamy Orzo with Garlic Butter Asparagus Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with garlic butter asparagus, all brought together with a touch of lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

For the Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Creamy Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
Add the chopped asparagus and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.