Creamy Orzo with Asparagus and Peas

This scrumptious, creamy orzo pasta dish with asparagus and peas is recent, vivid, and lemony – the right spring dinner. Plus, it’s vegan and dairy-free.

Creamy Orzo with Asparagus and Peas

This fast orzo pasta is a good back-pocket weeknight recipe while you wish to skip the meat and dairy. It has the identical creamy texture as risotto, solely cooked in a fraction of the time with no butter or cheese. The recent medley of spring asparagus and peas contrasts fantastically with the lemony, creamy base, however you’ll be able to change it up with any veggies you want. Orzo is a enjoyable pasta form I typically use in recipes, like this Broccoli and Orzo and Orzo with Sausage, Spinach, and Corn. And for extra risotto recipes, strive my Asparagus Risotto and Instant Pot Risotto with Peas.

This straightforward creamy orzo recipe is from Love and Lemons Simple Feel Good Food by Jeanine Donofrio. This recipe got here out scrumptious, and I don’t even like peas! In her new cookbook, Jeanine divides up every chapter with recipes that require “minimal prep and elements” and people made with “meals ready forward of time.” I didn’t change a lot of her recipe aside from reducing again on the wine and making it 5 servings as a substitute of 4 because it makes so much. The serving sizes are nonetheless beneficiant, and I believe you’ll love how good it’s!

Creamy Orzo Components

• Leeks: Chop the white and light-weight inexperienced components of two leeks.
• Salt and Pepper for seasoning
• White Wine: Select a good-quality dry white wine. For those who favor to not cook dinner with wine, substitute vegetable broth.
• Garlic: Grate two garlic cloves.
• Orzo: Weigh 12 ounces of dry pasta utilizing a kitchen scale.
• Lemon: You’ll want lemon zest and juice.
• Asparagus: Trim the ends of the asparagus and chop the spears into one- inch items.
• Peas: Use frozen inexperienced peas.
• Garnish with recent herbs, like basil or tarragon and microgreens (non-obligatory).

How one can Make Creamy Orzo

1. Leeks: Warmth olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium warmth. Add the leeks, salt, and pepper, and cook dinner for 5 minutes till delicate.
2. Wine & Orzo: Stir within the wine and cook dinner it for 30 seconds. Cut back the warmth to low, and add the garlic, orzo, and three cups of broth.
3. Simmer: Stir, cowl, and cook dinner for 10 minutes, stirring sometimes to forestall sticking. Uncover and stir within the lemon zest and a half cup of broth. Prepare dinner, stirring, over low warmth for a couple of minutes till the combination is creamy and the orzo is totally cooked.
4. Blanch Greens: Boil a medium pot of salted water. As soon as boiling, blanch the asparagus and peas for a minute or two till tender and vivid inexperienced. Drain the veggies and switch them to a towel to pat them dry.
5. Season the Veggies: Put the asparagus and peas in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
6. Serve: Verify that the orzo isn’t too thick earlier than serving. In that case, stir within the remaining half cup of broth. Portion the orzo into bowls and high with the greens. Garnish with recent herbs, lemon zest, and microgreens if utilizing. Season to style and serve with lemon wedges.

What to Serve with Creamy Orzo

This creamy orzo risotto is a filling meal by itself, however you would serve it with salmon, chicken, or a side salad.

How one can Retailer Creamy Orzo

This creamy orzo will last as long as 4 days within the fridge. To reheat, microwave it till heat.

Variations

• Greens: Swap up the greens with no matter you might have – Summer time zucchini or broccolini would even be beautiful. You possibly can even stir in recent spinach till it wilts.
• Protein: If you wish to add extra protein, strive the pasta with diced rooster or shrimp.
• Cheese: Prime the creamy orzo with parmesan or feta.

Extra Orzo Recipes You’ll Love