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Quick Lemon Asparagus Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

This Quick Lemon Asparagus Orzo recipe is a vibrant and creamy pasta dish perfect for spring or summer. Featuring tender-crisp asparagus, fresh snap peas, fragrant herbs, and tangy goat cheese, it comes together in just 30 minutes making it a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal option.

Ingredients

Orzo and Vegetables

  • 6 ounces dry orzo pasta (about 1 cup)
  • 1 extra large bunch asparagus, tough ends removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup snap peas, sliced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

Flavorings and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small lemon, zested
  • ¼ – ½ cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, dill, or basil)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ – ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the hot salted pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and chopped garlic, cooking until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the asparagus pieces and sliced snap peas, reduce the heat to medium-low, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir frequently, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and add the lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
  3. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the warm, drained orzo into the skillet with the sautéed asparagus and snap peas. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese and start adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the mixture. This will create a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables.
  4. Finish and Season: Fold in the chopped fresh herbs and optional tarragon, stirring until everything is creamy and well incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while the dish is loose and creamy for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil adds brightness and freshness to the dish; feel free to mix and match.
  • Goat cheese can be substituted with feta for a tangier flavor or omitted for a vegan adaptation (add nutritional yeast).
  • Reserve some pasta water carefully, as it acts as a natural thickener and brings everything together.
  • For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes during the final seasoning step.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and crisp vegetables.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/quick-lemon-asparagus-orzo-recipe/