Creamy Orzo with Asparagus and Peas

May 15, 2023 steven

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This delicious, creamy orzo pasta dish with asparagus and peas is fresh, bright, and lemony – the perfect spring dinner. Plus, it’s vegan and dairy-free.

Creamy Orzo with Asparagus and Peas

This quick orzo pasta is a great back-pocket weeknight recipe when you want to skip the meat and dairy. It has the same creamy texture as risotto, only cooked in a fraction of the time with no butter or cheese. The fresh medley of spring asparagus and peas contrasts beautifully with the lemony, creamy base, but you can switch it up with any veggies you like. Orzo is a fun pasta shape I often use in recipes, like this Broccoli and Orzo and Orzo with Sausage, Spinach, and Corn. And for more risotto recipes, try my Asparagus Risotto and Instant Pot Risotto with Peas.

This easy creamy orzo recipe is from Love and Lemons Simple Feel Good Food by Jeanine Donofrio. This recipe came out delicious, and I don’t even like peas! In her new cookbook, Jeanine divides up each chapter with recipes that require “minimal prep and ingredients” and those made with “food prepared ahead of time.” I didn’t change much of her recipe except for cutting back on the wine and making it 5 servings instead of 4 since it makes a lot. The serving sizes are still generous, and I think you’ll love how good it is!

Creamy Orzo Ingredients

Leeks: Chop the white and light green parts of two leeks.
Salt and Pepper for seasoning
White Wine: Choose a good-quality dry white wine. If you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute vegetable broth.
Garlic: Grate two garlic cloves.
Orzo: Weigh 12 ounces of dry pasta using a kitchen scale.
Lemon: You’ll need lemon zest and juice.
Asparagus: Trim the ends of the asparagus and chop the spears into one- inch pieces.
Peas: Use frozen green peas.
Garnish with fresh herbs, like basil or tarragon and microgreens (optional).

How to Make Creamy Orzo

Leeks: Heat olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks, salt, and pepper, and cook for five minutes until soft.
Wine & Orzo: Stir in the wine and cook it for 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low, and add the garlic, orzo, and three cups of broth.
Simmer: Stir, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Uncover and stir in the lemon zest and a half cup of broth. Cook, stirring, over low heat for a few minutes until the mixture is creamy and the orzo is fully cooked.
Blanch Vegetables: Boil a medium pot of salted water. Once boiling, blanch the asparagus and peas for a minute or two until tender and bright green. Drain the veggies and transfer them to a towel to pat them dry.
Season the Veggies: Put the asparagus and peas in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
Serve: Check that the orzo isn’t too thick before serving. If so, stir in the remaining half cup of broth. Portion the orzo into bowls and top with the vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and microgreens if using. Season to taste and serve with lemon wedges.

What to Serve with Creamy Orzo

This creamy orzo risotto is a filling meal on its own, but you could serve it with salmon, chicken, or a side salad.

How to Store Creamy Orzo

This creamy orzo will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave it until warm.

Variations

Vegetables: Switch up the vegetables with whatever you have – Summer zucchini or broccolini would also be lovely. You could even stir in fresh spinach until it wilts.
Protein: If you want to add more protein, try the pasta with diced chicken or shrimp.
Cheese: Top the creamy orzo with parmesan or feta.

More Orzo Recipes You’ll Love

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Yield: 5 servings

Serving Size: 1 3/4 cups

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the leeks, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the wine and let it cook down for 30 seconds.
Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, orzo, and 3 cups of the broth. Stir, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Uncover and stir in the lemon zest and another 1/2 cup of the broth. Cook, stirring, over low heat for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture is creamy and the orzo is cooked through.
Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the asparagus and peas into the boiling water and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes, or until tender but still bright green. Drain, transfer to a kitchen towel, and pat dry.
Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, the lemon juice, and several grinds of pepper.
Before serving, check the orzo’s consistency. If it has thickened too much, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup broth.
Portion the orzo into bowls and top with the vegetable mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and microgreens, if using. Season to taste and serve with lemon wedges.

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Serving: 1 3/4 cups, Calories: 423 kcal, Carbohydrates: 64 g, Protein: 13 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 1.5 g, Sodium: 323 mg, Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 6 g