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Asparagus orzo in a white bowl with a spoon.

Easy Asparagus Orzo (Ready in 20 Minutes)

Jill Machovsky
Asparagus orzo is a quick, creamy side dish made with tender pasta, fresh asparagus, lemon, and Parmesan. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, or steak.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 301 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Orzo
  • 3 Tablespoon Butter
  • 2 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 pound Asparagus
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 3-4 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
  • ¼ cup Milk
  • 2 Tablespoon Parsley Garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
    1 cup Orzo
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly softened.
    3 Tablespoon Butter, 2 clove Garlic
  • Add the chopped asparagus, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and bright green.
    1 pound Asparagus, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta.
    3-4 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice, Zest from 1 lemon, ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
  • Pour in the milk and stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
    ¼ cup Milk
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
    2 Tablespoon Parsley

Notes

This lemon asparagus orzo is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal
  • Swap asparagus for broccoli, green beans, or snap peas
  • Stir in feta cheese for a tangier flavor
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little heat

Nutrition

Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 13gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 1152mgPotassium: 378mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1411IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 211mgIron: 3mg
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