Lemon Asparagus Orzo Pasta Recipe - Simple and fresh ingredients give this a easy side dish a delicious flavor

This Lemon Asparagus Orzo Recipe is a colorful, delicious side dish that celebrates Spring! It's also super easy and features simple, fresh ingredients. What's not to similar near that?

Around this fourth dimension of twelvemonth, I go so busy with gardening, Jump cleaning, and getting prepare for the summertime that I oftentimes go lazy about cooking dinner. Accept I mentioned that I'yard likewise in the middle of a DIY whole home renovation? I'm not just busy, I'chiliad exhausted!

Lemon Asparagus Orzo - An easy Spring side dish

While I'm perfectly happy to eat a basin of cereal or a tin can of peas and consider information technology a meal, my family unit expects a scrap more. Lately, I've been turning to recipes that I tin can serve as dinner more one time.

Whether information technology'south making a salad that lasts all calendar week or preparing and freezing a massive batch of meatballs that tin can plough into different meals, I've been looking for ways to get dinner on the table rapidly without a lot of effort.

Lemon Asparagus Orzo features simple ingredients simply prepared

So, given all of that, this Lemon Asparagus Orzo has get a favorite of mine for a few reasons. For ane matter, the ingredients are fresh and pure.

Bound asparagus is one of our favorites.  Pairing it with garlic, lemon, and orzo pasta creates a bright, flavorful side dish that goes perfectly with chicken or fish.

Lemon Asparagus Orzo does not require a lot of complicated preparation

Information technology's also very like shooting fish in a barrel to set up — and so like shooting fish in a barrel, in fact, that kids can do the prep piece of work. If they're older and accept the skills to boil and sauté they can even brand the entire side dish equally my son did.

Let me tell you lot, that makes having teenagers worthwhile, folks!

Lemon Asparagus Orzo is a fresh-tasting side dish that brings color to the table

You can refrigerate or freeze leftovers to serve again later, though y'all'll want to add a chip more butter or olive oil and fresh Parmesan shavings on superlative when yous practise.

LEFTOVERS? Try THIS!

My family has a thing against leftovers. Or, I should say, they have a affair against leftovers they know most. Then sometimes, rather than listening to them grumble when I reheat a dish I'd made earlier in the week, I like to turn leftovers into something new.

With this Lemon Asparagus Orzo, that is so easy to practice. Simply tip the refrigerated leftovers into a large sauce pot then add chicken broth, a scattering of frozen peas, and some freshly footing black pepper.

Bring it to a eddy, reduce heat and add together your favorite cooked protein — information technology'due south fantastic with shrimp. Simmer for a few minutes and serve. It is so good, and your family won't even know they're eating leftovers!

Lemon Asparagus Orzo

Fresh asparagus and bright lemons bring out the nutty flavour of tender orzo pasta and shaved Parmesan cheese in this easy side dish. Once you've enjoyed information technology as a side dish, cheque out the tips for turning leftovers into a whole new repast!

Grade Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 mins

Melt Time 12 mins

Total Time 22 mins

Makes 6 people

  • half-dozen cups craven broth
  • 16 oz. uncooked orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ lb. fresh asparagus - cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 tbsp. freshly grated lemon rind
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper - to taste
  • 2 chive stems for garnish - optional
  • Bring the chicken broth to boil in a large bucket over medium-high heat. Add orzo, stir well, and cook uncovered for 7 minutes. Add the asparagus, stir well, and cook an additional 2 minutes.

  • While orzo cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add in minced garlic and cook, stirring oftentimes, for two minutes or until fragrant.

  • Bleed orzo and add to the skillet. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon rind, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving basin and garnish.