Description
A quick and flavorful Orzo with Asparagus & Feta recipe that combines tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, and creamy feta cheese for a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for weeknight meals. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dish offers a balanced, nutritious meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 1 bunch Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, or Mint), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the dish later if needed.
- Cook the Asparagus: While the pasta cooks, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the asparagus in a warm pan with olive oil and minced garlic until tender-crisp and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo to the pan with asparagus. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently to combine the flavors and create a cohesive dish.
- Add Feta and Herbs: Turn off the heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs over the orzo mixture. Give it a light toss to distribute evenly without breaking down the feta too much.
- Adjust and Serve: If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen the dish. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the asparagus to keep it bright and crunchy.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the dish without watering down the flavor.
- Use good quality, authentic feta for superior taste and richness.
- Optionally, toast the orzo in olive oil before boiling for a nuttier flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish more than bottled lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Orzo, Asparagus, Feta, Quick Meal, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pasta, Healthy, Weeknight Dinner