Description
Garlic butter orzo with asparagus whisks palates through a Mediterranean culinary journey, blending creamy pasta with tender green spears. Delicate herbal notes and rich butter create a simple yet elegant dish that beckons you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 pound (1 lb) fresh asparagus, tips only (cut 2–3 inches from the top)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
- Shredded Parmesan, for garnish
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat for the orzo pasta.
- Cook orzo according to package timing, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- During the final 2 minutes of pasta cooking, carefully introduce fresh asparagus tips into the boiling water.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus mixture in a colander, allowing excess water to completely escape.
- Select a spacious skillet and melt butter over medium-low temperature, creating a smooth liquid base.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, gently sautéing for approximately 30 seconds until aromatic without browning.
- Transfer drained orzo and asparagus into the garlic butter skillet, ensuring even coating.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, then add a splash of milk for creamy consistency.
- Incorporate chopped parsley, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavors.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, warming through for roughly 1 minute to marry the flavors.
- Plate the orzo and asparagus, finishing with an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese as a garnish.
Notes
- Timing is crucial when blanching asparagus to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture without overcooking.
- Choose fresh, thin asparagus spears for the most tender and delicate flavor in this dish.
- Adjust milk quantity for creamier or lighter consistency based on personal preference.
- Experiment with alternative cheeses like pecorino or nutritional yeast for different dietary needs or flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg