Lemon and Asparagus Orzo

This fresh and delicious Lemon and Asparagus Orzo is such a simple side dish. Ready in 15 minutes, great with chicken or fish and affordable.


Lemon and Asparagus Orzo on a white plate with a fork on the side.


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Lemon and Asparagus Orzo being scooped up by a fork.


This recipe was photographed and updated 5/2023.


Today's recipe is so perfect for spring!

I've been buying tons of asparagus these last couple weeks. The asparagus spears tend to be thinner and more tasty around this time of year. We use it for so many of our favorites, especially this Chicken and Asparagus Penne.

Lemon and asparagus are such a perfect pair and when you add orzo and garlic, it's a match made in heaven.

Each bite is light and flavorful. This orzo is a perfect side for any spring or summer meal, and goes great with grilled chicken or fish.

Check your local farmer's market for freshly picked asparagus. It's should be popping up soon if it hasn't already.


Keep scrolling for tips, additional orzo recipes and more! 


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Shopping list:


  • water
  • orzo (we used trader joe's brand)
  • fresh asparagus
  • butter
  • garlic
  • freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • lemon zest
  • fresh parsley
  • salt
  • black pepper


Scroll down to the printable recipe card for measurements and instructions!


Recipe tips:

  • Chop additional fresh parsley for garnish, optional.
  • Different brands of orzo may have different cook times, adjust accordingly.
  • For more flavor, brown the orzo in a little butter before you add the water.


Lemon and Asparagus Orzo on a white plate with gray background.


More orzo recipes you might like:



You can add or substitute with these ingredients:


  • use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic
  • use chicken broth instead of water and omit or use less salt
  • use dried parsley instead of fresh
  • add fresh chopped basil instead of parsley
  • top with freshly grated parmesan cheese


Lemon and Asparagus Orzo on a white plate with a fork and gray background.


Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:



I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!


Lemon and Asparagus Orzo on a fork.
Yield 6 servings
Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Prep time
10 Min
Cook time
12 Min
Total time
22 Min

Lemon and Asparagus Orzo

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan over high heat, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add orzo, reduce heat to medium, and cook until liquid is almost absorbed, about 6 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until orzo is al dente.
  3. Then add butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt and black pepper.
  4. Heat and stir until butter is melted. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.


Chop additional fresh parsley for garnish, optional.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

180.62

Fat

4.39 g

Sat. Fat

2.51 g

Carbs

29.8 g

Fiber

1.83 g

Net carbs

27.96 g

Sugar

1.59 g

Protein

5.55 g

Sodium

426.87 mg

Cholesterol

10.03 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 


You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.



Lemon and Asparagus Orzo on a white plate with a recipe title text overlay.


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Comments

  1. this looks very tasty! cant wait to try it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Glad you stopped by! :)

      Delete
  2. I love orzo! I found you from the Marvelous Monday party. I would love it if you would share at my party: http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2013/05/tried-and-true-recipes-11.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds so good. I love spring when asparagus is in season.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just adore orzo. It is so fun - looks like rice but tastes like pasta. Your addition of lemon and asparagus is a great combination.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have been looking for more asparagus recipes! This one will be on my menu for sure!

    Thanks for linking up to the In and Out of the Kitchen link party! I look forward to seeing more of your great recipes next week!

    Cynthia at http://Feedinbig.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks like a refreshing side dish. I love the lemon/asparagus combination. Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays. Pinned and shared on Facebook!

    Julie @ This Gal Cooks

    ReplyDelete
  7. So simple - and reminds me of spring :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Grace had to make this for her cooking class at school, but she was gone that day so we made it at home!! And then I find it on your blog today! Too funny! She had to add Parmesan cheese though and didn't use parsley.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sheena, This post is being featured on my Lemon Love 50 recipe round up. Thanks for previously linking it to my Tasty Thursdays party. Enjoy!! Nichi
    http://mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/2013/07/fantastic-fruit-series-week-1-lemon-love.html

    ReplyDelete

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