Asparagus Orzo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

More Asparagus Recipes to Try

• This Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta is another springtime dinner recipe to add to your menu.
• Two favorite asparagus side dishes are our Roasted Asparagus and this Grilled Asparagus.
• The Sesame Roasted Asparagus Salad is another simple side with an Asian flair.
• This vegetarian Asparagus Panzanella with Poached Eggs is a fantastic brunch or dinner option.
• Don’t miss our chilled Asparagus with Tarragon Vinaigrette.
• Adding asparagus to salads is another delicious way to enjoy it. Try this Spring Salad with peas and hard boiled eggs, this Shaved Asparagus Salad or this vegetarian power salad with Roasted Asparagus and Chevre.

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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