Best 13 Asparagus Orzo Recipes

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Asparagus orzo is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's made with fresh asparagus, orzo pasta, and a variety of other ingredients such as garlic, shallots, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is typically cooked in a creamy sauce, but there are also variations that use a tomato-based sauce or a broth-based sauce. Asparagus orzo is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and it's also a good source of protein and fiber. It's a perfect dish for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a special occasion.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

ORZO AND SHRIMP SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS



Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Asparagus image

This is a dish that goes together quickly, can be doubled easily, and looks beautiful! Orzo , shrimp and fresh asparagus tossed with a light olive oil, lemon and basil dressing. Perfect for a warm weather picnic. Can be served chilled, at room temperature, or heated!

Provided by FOXLAIRFARM

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 2h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 extra-large shrimp
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 quarts water
8 ounces orzo pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey mustard
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Peel shrimp, reserving the shells. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic and shrimp in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring frequently to keep the garlic from browning. When shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat, cool and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Bring water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add shrimp shells, boil for 5 minutes, then strain out shells and discard. Stir in the orzo and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus pieces and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain into a mesh sieve, and rinse in cold water.
  • Toss pasta and asparagus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, shrimp, and green onions until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and basil until incorporated. Pour over pasta mixture and toss well; season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.2 calories, Carbohydrate 33.5 g, Cholesterol 86.2 mg, Fat 10.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 111.9 mg, Sugar 4 g

ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS



Orzo With Asparagus image

Make and share this Orzo With Asparagus recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Dancer

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium onion, sliced
1 small fennel, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/8 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
salt
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 lb orzo pasta
1 quart chicken stock
1/2-1 lb asparagus, cut at angle

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add onion, fennel, garlic and saute until very soft.
  • Add orzo and 1/2 cup chicken stock.
  • Stir as you would risotto until liquid is absorbed.
  • You might not use the whole quart of broth.
  • Repeat until pasta is almost al dente.
  • Add asparagus and simmer until tender.
  • Top with parmesan, pepper flake and thyme.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.5, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 24.7, Sodium 467.5, Carbohydrate 103.7, Fiber 7, Sugar 7.8, Protein 24.4

ORZO WITH BACON AND ASPARAGUS



Orzo with Bacon and Asparagus image

This skillet dinner has it all - orzo, bacon and asparagus blended in a quick meal.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 35m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 (14-oz.) can fat-free chicken broth with 1/3 less sodium
6 1/2 oz. (1 cup) uncooked orzo or rosamarina (rice-shaped pasta)
8 oz. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers (from a jar)
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded fresh Asiago or Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Reserve bacon and 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet. Add broth; bring to a boil. Add orzo. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 5 minutes.
  • Add asparagus and roasted peppers; cover and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until orzo and asparagus are tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 1/3 Cups, Sodium 840 mg, Sugar 3 g

LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES



Lemon Orzo Salad With Asparagus and Tomatoes image

This recipe is really light and refreshing. I had this at a BBQ and loved it, so I made it tonight. Mine tasted a lot more lemony. It was great, but I'll probably use a little less lemon zest next time. I served the cheese on the side to allow my guests to choose if they wanted to add it or not. It comes from this website: http://www.abigmouthful.com/lemon-orzo-salad-with-asparagus-and-tomatoes/

Provided by Tashi123

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces orzo pasta
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint grape tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring 2 large pots of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt in each.
  • To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green.
  • To the second pot, add the orzo. Cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves.
  • Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir into orzo and vegetables. Stir in parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (omit the cheese to make this vegan.)
  • This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.

GRILLED STEAK AND ASPARAGUS WITH ORZO



Grilled Steak and Asparagus with Orzo image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 cup orzo (about 8 ounces)
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup grated gruyere cheese (about 2 ounces)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh scallions or chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 clove garlic, grated

Steps:

  • Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic and thyme in a small bowl; brush on the steak, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the asparagus with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook as the label directs; drain and return to the pot. Add the half-and-half and cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in the gruyere. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush with olive oil. Grill the steak 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare; transfer to a plate. Wipe off the grill pan. Grill the asparagus, turning occasionally, until marked, 4 minutes; drizzle with the lemon juice. Slice the steak and serve with the asparagus and orzo. Top the orzo with the scallions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 733 calorie, Fat 35 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Cholesterol 116 milligrams, Sodium 299 milligrams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 54 grams

SAFFRON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PROSCIUTTO



Saffron Orzo with Asparagus and Prosciutto image

Categories     Pasta     Side     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Parmesan     Saffron     Asparagus     Prosciutto     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips
1 1/4 cups orzo (about 8 ounces)
3 cups low-salt chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon (loosely packed) saffron threads, crushed
1 pound slender asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese shavings

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and sauté until almost crisp, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet over high heat. Add orzo; stir 1 minute. Add broth and saffron; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until orzo begins to soften, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add asparagus; cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Uncover; simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Mix in prosciutto and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Garnish with Parmesan shavings.

CAESAR ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS



Caesar Orzo with Asparagus image

Looking for something a little different to dress up pasta? This creamy side dish is a favorite with family and friends at Karen Hoyle's Excelsior, Minnesota home. "My teenage sons love it so much, they'll eat any vegetable I use!" MAKE IT EASY: Great side dishes don't come much more versatile than this, says Karen Hoyle. "I've also made it with broccoli and creamy Italian dressing or added cooked chicken or ham for a quick bulked-up main dish."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2/3 cup fat-free creamy Caesar salad dressing
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring broth and water to a boil. Add orzo; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add asparagus. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until orzo and asparagus are tender, stirring frequently; drain. Stir in salad dressing and cheese; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 504mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ORZO WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS & ASPARAGUS



Orzo With Roasted Red Peppers & Asparagus image

Quick vegan dish I threw together last night... I love orzo pasta simply prepared with margarine, salt and pepper. Since I didn't want to eat just that for dinner, I decided to add some veggies that I had on hand as well. I used a 12 oz bag of frozen asparagus from Trader Joes, thawed for 5-6 minutes in the microwave, and then chopped into 1" pieces. Trader Joe's frozen asparagus tends to become very mushy, VERY fast, so keep an eye on it in the microwave, and add it to your skillet at the last minute. Spices were kind of a mix and match. I use a mix called Sandwich Sprinkle from Penzey's Spice Company, as well as basil and thyme.

Provided by Kozmic Blues

Categories     Vegetable

Time 18m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup orzo pasta
12 ounces asparagus, thawed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 large roasted red peppers, chopped
3 tablespoons margarine (Earth Balance)
2 garlic cloves, minced
garlic salt, to taste
basil, to taste
thyme, to taste
oregano, to taste
salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions.
  • Heat skillet over medium heat.
  • Spray with non stick cooking spray.
  • Add Earth Balance margarine and garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add chopped roasted red peppers and spices to taste.
  • Reduce heat to low, add chopped asparagus and stir to coat.
  • Drain orzo, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
  • Add orzo to skillet, and gently mix, adding pasta water as needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.6, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 1.1, Sodium 76, Carbohydrate 23.6, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 5.2

ORZO LEMON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Orzo Lemon Orzo with Asparagus Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by wing118677

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lemon, zested
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound asparagus
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • MAKE THE DRESSING: Place the lemon zest, juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a deep medium bowl. Add oil and whisk until it emulsifies a bit. Set aside. MAKE THE ORZO: Snap the end pieces off the asparagus and lay the asparagus stalks in a baking dish, 9x13 inch. Pour boiling water over the asparagus (just enough to cover it), cover dish with plastic wrap and let sit until the water is warm to the touch. Drain water and cut the asparagus stalks into 2 inch pieces. Place the chicken broth and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and turmeric and bring back to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain orzo, but do not rinse it. Place the hot orzo in a large bowl, add the asparagus and parsley. Whisk the dressing if needed and pour it over the salad. Mix well. Top with butter if preferred.

LEMON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS



LEMON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS image

Categories     Salad     Pasta     Vegetable     Side     Easter     Quick & Easy     Healthy     Boil

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

For the Dressing
2 lemons, zested
1/2 cup lemon juice*
3 cloves garlic, crushed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Orzo Salad
1 pound thin-stalked asparagus
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
3 cups orzo pasta
1/2 cup green onions, whites and stalks, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Dressing 1. Place the lemon zest, juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a deep-sided bowl. 2. Add the oil in a thin, steady stream while whisking the mixture vigorously to form an emulsion. Set aside. Orzo Salad 1. Prepare the asparagus and lay them in a heat-resistant 9" x 13" Pyrex dish. 2. Pour the boiling water over the asparagus, cover with plastic wrap and let sit until the water is slightly warm. This no-fuss method produces perfectly cooked asparagus. 3. Remove the asparagus to your cutting board and cut diagonally in two-inch pieces. Set aside. 4. Place the chicken stock and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and turmeric and bring back to a boil. 5. Add the orzo and cook until tender-about 10 to 12 minutes. 6. Drain, but do not rinse. 7. Place the hot orzo in a spacious, heat-resistant bowl and add the asparagus and green onions. Whisk the dressing if needed and pour it over the salad. Mix well. Note: The dressing tastes strong until absorbed by the hot orzo. 8. Cool to room temperature. Adjust seasonings as needed before serving. 9. Decorate with the lemon slices.

LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES



LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable     Dinner     Lunch

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 oz. orzo
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbs. fresh parsley, minced
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano*

Steps:

  • Bring 2 large pots of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt in each. To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green. To the second pot, add the orzo. Cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves. Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir into orzo and vegetables. Stir in parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.

ORZO WITH TUNA, CORN, AND ASPARAGUS



Orzo with Tuna, Corn, and Asparagus image

This one-pot meal is quick, easy, and delicious.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound orzo
1 bunch asparagus (1 pound), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups corn kernels (from 3 ears)
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 pint (10 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (5 ounces each) solid white tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo according to package instructions. In last 2 minutes of cooking, add asparagus and corn. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. In pot, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, and mustard. Add orzo mixture, tomatoes, and tuna, and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper and top with oregano.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 494 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 2 g

CREAMY ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS & PARMESAN RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Creamy Orzo with Asparagus & Parmesan Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by wing118677

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup orzo
1 cup asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 to 1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large sauce pan of water (filled about halfway) to a boil over medium heat. Cook the orzo until tender, about 10 minutes. After the orzo has been cooking for about 5 minutes, add the asparagus to the same pot (this will allow the orzo and asparagus to cook in the same pot and keep the clean-up to a minimum!). Once the orzo and asaparagus are cooked and tender, drain and return to the pot. Quickly add the parmesan cheese and butter. Stir thoroughly, allowing both the cheese and butter to melt. Slowly add the cream to the mixture, while stirring. Continue to stir and add cream until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Voila! You have a delicious side dish! Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Choose thin asparagus spears for a more tender texture.
  • Trim the asparagus spears by snapping off the woody ends.
  • Cook the orzo according to the package instructions.
  • Use a large skillet to cook the asparagus and orzo together.
  • Add some chopped garlic, onion, or shallots to the skillet for extra flavor.
  • Season the dish with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
  • Garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or lemon zest before serving.

Conclusion:

Asparagus and orzo is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up fresh asparagus and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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