Orzo Primavera with Spring Vegetables (Printable version)
Tender orzo with fresh spring vegetables in a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 oz orzo pasta
02 - 6 cups water
03 - 1 tsp salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup asparagus, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
08 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
→ Aromatics & Sauce
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How to make it:
01 - Bring the water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, asparagus, and peas. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
04 - Add the drained orzo to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until everything is well combined and creamy.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in basil and parsley.
06 - Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The lemon and Parmesan create this incredible bright creamy sauce that clings to every bite
- Its a one pan dinner that feels fancy enough for company but comes together on busy weeknights
02 -
- The pasta water is crucial, that starch is what creates the silky creamy consistency without any cream
- Work quickly once the vegetables are done, they keep cooking in the residual heat
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and nothing gets mushy before the rest is done
- Room temperature ingredients help the sauce come together more smoothly, especially the Parmesan