Looking for a quick and healthy side dish that is perfect for spring? This Asparagus Orzo with peas recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with fresh ingredients and loaded with flavor, it's a dish you'll want to make again and again.
Asparagus Orzo is one pot meal that is easy-to-make. It combines tender orzo pasta with fresh asparagus tips and peas, all brought together with Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. It's a recipe that can be served as a main course with added protein or a side dish, perfect for any occasion.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh asparagus and peas, it's a great way to get your veggies in.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
- Impressive: Serve it to guests. It's a hit at any dinner party.
If you like this side dish recipe, you may also love our Broccoli Orzo or our Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- How to Make One Pot Asparagus Orzo with Peas
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Water: To cook the orzo and create a light sauce.
- Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Fresh Asparagus Tips: Adds crunch and fresh flavor.
- Frozen Peas: Provides a sweet and tender contrast to the asparagus.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic.
- Garlic: Adds a depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Optional, but adds freshness.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make One Pot Asparagus Orzo with Peas
STEP ONE: Cook the Orzo
In a large pot, bring 2 ¼ cups of water to a boil.
Add 1 teaspoon of Knorr granulated chicken bouillon and stir until dissolved.
Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8 minutes.
STEP TWO: Add the Vegetables
When a small bit of liquid remains, add the fresh asparagus tips and frozen peas to the pot. The heat from the orzo will cook the asparagus and peas quickly. (If you prefer more tender asparagus, steam them first).
STEP THREE: Sauté the Garlic
Remove the pot from heat. Move the orzo mixture to one side of the pot, creating space for the garlic. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and combine everything well. Add lemon juice (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Asparagus: Can be substituted with broccoli or green beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Frozen Peas: Swap with sugar snap peas.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Make it vegan by using vegetable broth and vegan cheese.
- Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large Pot
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater
- Storage
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Fresh asparagus and peas will provide the best flavor and texture.
Cook the Orzo Al Dente to ensure it holds its shape and doesn't become mushy.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the orzo.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Add leftover peas to this Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe
- Make a creamy asparagus risotto with leftover asparagus.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Greek Style Lemon Chicken (Bake it without potatoes and serve the Asparagus Orzo as a side dish).
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Creamy Mushroom Orzo
- Greek Orzo Salad with Dolmades
- Instant Pot Basmati Rice
- Broccoli Orzo
- Cheesy Roasted Asparagus with Gruyere and Garlic
Related
More side dishes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta like couscous or ditalini.
Use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta.
Yes! Cooked chicken or shrimp would be great additions.
📖 Recipe
Asparagus Orzo with Peas
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater
- Storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 teaspoon Knorr granulated chicken bouillon
- 3 ounces fresh asparagus tips chopped small
- 3 ounces frozen peas
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2 ¼ cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Knorr granulated chicken bouillon and stir until dissolved.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8 minutes.
- When a small bit of liquid remains, add the chopped asparagus tips and frozen peas to the pot. The heat from the orzo will cook the vegetables quickly. (If you prefer more tender asparagus, steam them first).
- Remove the pot from heat. Move the orzo mixture to one side of the pot. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the empty space and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and combine everything well. Add lemon juice (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Asparagus: Can be substituted with broccoli or green beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Frozen Peas: Swap with sugar snap peas.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano instead.
Nutrition
Asparagus Orzo is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always ensure that any leftovers are cooled quickly and stored in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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