Name: Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, if desired); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes

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This Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a creamy one-skillet side or light main dish that combines tender pasta with crisp asparagus, sautéed garlic, and a rich buttery finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and asparagus creates a delightful taste that's both comforting and elegant. Using just one skillet means less cleanup, and the quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, if desired)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes

Directions

Prep the Ingredients: I start by trimming the woody ends off the asparagus and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Then, I finely mince the garlic to ensure it releases all its flavor when sautéed.
Cook the Orzo: In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and add the orzo, toasting it for 1–2 minutes until it's golden at the edges. I then pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Sauté the Asparagus: I push the cooked orzo to one side of the skillet and melt the butter on the empty side. Then, I add the garlic and cook it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. I add the chopped asparagus and sauté for 3–5 minutes, until it's tender-crisp and bright green.
Combine Everything: I stir the asparagus and garlic butter mixture into the orzo, mixing well to coat every bite. I season with salt and pepper to taste and add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes if I'm using them.
Serve and Enjoy: I serve the dish warm, either as-is or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a crisp salad. The texture should be creamy, with the pasta tender and the asparagus still snappy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 20 minutes.

Variations

I like to customize this dish based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy kick or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. If I'm in the mood for extra richness, I stir in a bit more butter or a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp make excellent additions.

Storage/Reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of oil, which helps the asparagus crisp up a bit. Alternatively, the microwave works fine if I'm short on time.

FAQs

What is orzo, and can I substitute it?

Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like large grains of rice. If I don't have orzo, I sometimes use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, though the texture will differ.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, I can make this dish vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.

How do I know when the asparagus is cooked just right?

I look for the asparagus to be bright green and tender-crisp. It usually takes about 3–5 minutes of sautéing to reach this point.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. I often add vegetables like peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish holds up well for meal prep. I store it in individual containers and reheat as needed throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo has become a staple in my kitchen. It's quick, flavorful, and adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether I'm cooking for myself or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress.

Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a creamy, one-skillet dish combining tender orzo pasta with sautéed garlic and crisp asparagus in a rich butter sauce. Perfect as a light main or a side dish.

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, if desired)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and chop into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until golden at the edges.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Push the orzo to one side of the skillet, melt the butter on the other side, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Add chopped asparagus and sauté for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
Mix the asparagus and garlic butter with the orzo. Season with salt and pepper. Add optional toppings if desired.
Serve warm as-is or alongside grilled meat or salad.