5 from 10 reviews

This recipe for Asparagus Orzo is the perfect side dish for spring! Loaded with fresh flavors, quick to make, and totally versatile, it needs to be on your spring dinner menu.

cooked orzo and asparagus in a white bowl topped with fresh herbs

Table of contents

Why We Love this Asparagus Orzo

For starters, the ingredient list is short but this dish is loaded with fresh flavors from lemon and herbs. It’s also totally adaptable—use whatever fresh herbs are growing in your garden or available at the market. Plus, this side dish recipe can easily be turned into a main dish when topped with grilled shrimp, chicken skewers or or served alongside pan-seared salmon.

lemon, oil, garlic clove, red pepper, asparagus, herbs, dry orzo paste, parmesan arranged on a counter

Ingredients

Orzo

If you can find whole-wheat orzo go ahead and use it! I’ve found it’s hard to find at most grocery stores, so I most often use regular orzo. You’ll need 1 cup of dry orzo, which is 6 ounces. 

Asparagus 

Because the asparagus only cooks for a couple of minutes, I prefer to use small- to medium-thick stalks in this recipe. Be sure to snap off the woody ends and cut the tender stalks into 1-inch pieces. 

Parmesan

I prefer to buy large chunks of Parmesan and grate it myself on a Microplane. You can use Parmesan that’s sold already grated, just make sure it doesn’t have any added anti-caking agents included. 

Seasonings

This recipe is loaded with flavor from fresh lemon (zest and juice), basil, dill, garlic, and red pepper flakes. 

Unsalted butter and olive oil

This combo achieves the best of both worlds—flavorful and healthy. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Fill a large pot of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, season water generously with salt.

cooked orzo and asparagus in a silver colander

Step 2: Cook orzo

Stir orzo into boiling salted water and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Add the asparagus pieces with two minutes left in cooking. Drain the orzo and asparagus.

herbs, lemon zest and grated cheese in a small glass bowl

Step 3: mix together the cheesy herb mixture

Mix together the Parmesan, oil, herbs, garlic and spices.

Step 4: Stir in the butter

Add the cooked orzo and asparagus back to the pot and stir in the butter until melted. 

cooked orzo and asparagus in a large gray pot

Step 5: Add the herbs and cheese

Stir in the Parmesan-herb mixture and toss until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. 

FAQs and Expert Tips

Can this be made ahead?

This can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor and texture is best when served fresh, but if making ahead, be sure to reheat on the stove top and add an extra pat of butter and some additional Parmesan to bring it back to life.

Can this be made without butter?

This can absolutely be made without butter, just substitute with a robust-flavored extra-virgin olive oil. 

What other herbs would be good in this?

Any tender herbs would be a delicious substitute or addition. Try chives, tarragon, or parsley. 

cooked orzo and asparagus in a white bowl topped with fresh herbs

More Asparagus Recipes to Try

Thanks so much for reading. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. We would love to know what you think!

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cooked orzo and asparagus in a white bowl topped with fresh herbs

Asparagus Orzo

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5 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Lauren Grant-Vose
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 ½ cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A light and fresh pasta side dish studded with tender in-season asparagus and loads of lemon and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) dry orzo pasta
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch thick slices
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; season generously with salt then add orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Add asparagus in last two minutes of cooking. Drain orzo and asparagus.
  2. Return pot to stove, not over heat, and allow to dry (or wipe out).
  3. Whisk together Parmesan, basil, dill, oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
  4. Add orzo and asparagus back to now empty pot. Place over medium-low heat and stir in butter, continue stirring until butter is melted. Off heat, add Parmesan-herb mixture and gently stir until completely combined.
  5. Season with additional salt and pepper flakes to taste.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Ameran

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 109
  • Fat: 9.4
  • Saturated Fat: 3.6
  • Carbohydrates: 3.8
  • Fiber: 1.5
  • Protein: 4.5

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