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One Pot Orzo with Asparagus

One Pot Orzo with Asparagus

One Pot Orzo with Asparagus combines the silky elegance of a gourmet risotto with the effortless speed of a thirty-minute weeknight dinner. Tender green asparagus mingles with creamy pasta and a bright citrus finish, offering a light, earthy, and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Orzo Pasta
  • Fresh Asparagus
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Fresh Lemo
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Mint)
  • Sea Salt
  • Cracked Black Pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing your asparagus. Snap off the woody ends and cut the remaining stalks into one-inch pieces.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and sauté for about three minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo into the pot with the aromatics. Stir frequently for two minutes.
  4. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about eight to ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the Asparagus: Once the orzo is nearly tender, fold in the asparagus pieces. Cover and cook for an additional three to five minutes until the asparagus is bright green.
  6. Finish and Season: Remove from heat, stir in nutritional yeast, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
  7. Serve Immediately: Dish into warm bowls, garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Notes

Use warm broth for best results; do not overcook asparagus to maintain texture. For extra creaminess, stir in tahini or coconut milk at the end.