Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting. The creamy orzo provides a wonderful texture that’s perfectly complemented by the crisp-tender asparagus, all coated in a savory garlic butter sauce. The vegetable broth adds an extra layer of depth and richness, making this dish feel indulgent without being overly heavy. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, it’s a must-try recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), until the orzo is tender and the broth is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set the orzo aside.
- Prepare the asparagus: While the orzo is cooking, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Cook the asparagus: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked orzo and asparagus back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat everything evenly in the buttery garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes 4 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations:
- Cheese: For extra creaminess and flavor, stir in some grated parmesan cheese or crumbled feta when serving.
- Lemon zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a fresh, zesty kick.
- Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley sprinkled on top before serving.
- Vegan version: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth to bring back the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer a richer flavor, but vegetable broth is great for keeping the dish light and vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the orzo and asparagus ahead of time, and then combine and reheat the garlic butter sauce just before serving.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is ideal for this recipe, but if you only have frozen asparagus, you can use it. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen asparagus before cooking it.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce while cooking the garlic. You can also use a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any small pasta, like farfalle, penne, or even rice, instead of orzo for a variation of this dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free orzo pasta or any other gluten-free pasta variety of your choice.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter or olive oil and omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat the dish in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent it from becoming too dry. Alternatively, microwave it with a little vegetable broth to restore its creaminess.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a skillet.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a side to accompany your favorite protein. The garlic butter sauce, combined with the tender orzo and fresh asparagus, makes for an incredibly delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Made with simple ingredients like vegetable broth, garlic, and olive oil, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting side dish. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with a protein, this dish is a must-try for any occasion. Add a touch of parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes), until tender and the broth is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While orzo cooks, trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Cook the Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until tender and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked orzo and asparagus back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in grated parmesan or crumbled feta.
- Add lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
- For a vegan version, swap butter for vegan butter and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
