Description
Elevate your side dish game with Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo, a delightful mix of tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for any meal and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
Asparagus
- 1 bunch Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the orzo is cooking, rinse and trim the asparagus. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure an even cook. Sauté the asparagus in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as this can make it taste bitter.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the garlic is ready, add the cooked orzo and asparagus to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and vegetables in that delicious garlic butter. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Toss to combine, and your Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Asparagus: Aim for tender-crisp as they will continue to cook when mixed with the hot orzo.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This can help create a silky sauce if your dish feels too dry.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a significant flavor punch compared to jarred versions.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed warm, right after cooking to retain the texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg