Description
Creamy garlic butter asparagus orzo delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish that seamlessly blends tender asparagus with buttery pasta. Spring’s fresh flavors dance through each perfectly seasoned bite, inviting you to savor a simple yet elegant culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
Pasta and Vegetable Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at 212°F. Submerge asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant emerald green, maintaining a crisp texture.
- Rapidly transfer asparagus into an ice bath to halt cooking, then drain and reserve for later incorporation.
- Select a deep skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce orzo and gently toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring consistently until achieving a delicate golden hue and releasing nutty aromatics.
- Create a culinary space within the skillet, melting butter until it shimmers. Incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes to develop robust flavors without scorching.
- Integrate garlic butter mixture directly into toasted orzo, ensuring comprehensive coating.
- Pour broth into the skillet, initiating a gentle simmer. Allow orzo to absorb liquid for 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically until achieving a creamy consistency.
- Enhance richness by stirring in heavy cream. Brighten the profile with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a complex flavor landscape.
- Tenderly fold blanched asparagus into the orzo, permitting residual heat to warm the vegetables delicately.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and uniformly distributed. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Remove from heat, allowing flavors to harmonize for 2-3 minutes.
- Plate in serving bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while温 warm and inviting.
Notes
- Blanching asparagus quickly helps maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture while ensuring it’s not overcooked or mushy.
- Toasting orzo before cooking develops a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, creating a more complex and satisfying meal.
- Using fresh garlic and avoiding browning prevents bitter notes, allowing the delicate garlic butter sauce to shine and complement the asparagus perfectly.
- Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious final result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg