This One Pot Orzo with Asparagus and Peas is a bright and tasty dish that’s super easy to make! It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with fresh veggies in every bite.
I love how all the flavors blend together while cooking in just one pot. Less mess means more time to relax and enjoy! 😄 Perfect for a quick dinner on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This small rice-shaped pasta is perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors. If you don’t have orzo, you could use couscous, quinoa, or even small shells as a substitute.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is ideal, but if it’s not in season, consider substituting with green beans or broccoli florets. It’ll still provide that nice crunch!
Broth: Vegetable broth is the star here for a vegetarian option. However, chicken broth can add a bit more richness. You can also make a homemade broth using water and bouillon cubes if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: For a vegetarian option, Parmigiano-Reggiano is a great choice. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or skip it altogether.
Fresh Herbs: I love garnishing with fresh parsley or basil for brightness. If you don’t have those, dried herbs like thyme or oregano can work in a pinch—just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Sautéing Onions and Garlic?
The beginning steps of this recipe are key to building flavor. When sautéing onions, cook them on medium heat until they become soft and translucent—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The slower you cook them, the sweeter they become.
- Add olive oil to the pot first, then toss in the chopped onions. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic and stir for just 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn; it can become bitter! Remove from heat as soon as it’s fragrant.
One Pot Orzo with Asparagus and Peas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out the sweet flavors of the onion.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter!
3. Cook the Asparagus:
Add the chopped asparagus to the pot and let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will give the asparagus a nice crunch while softening it just enough.
4. Boil and Add Orzo:
Pour the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) into the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Mix in Peas and Lemon Juice:
After the orzo is cooked, throw in the green peas and drizzle the lemon juice over it all. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will brighten up the flavors!
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the orzo while it’s warm, and garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you’d like. Enjoy your delightful one-pot meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is a great choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even small shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as some may require more or less time to become al dente.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Asparagus?
No worries! If fresh asparagus isn’t available, you can use frozen asparagus or substitute it with another vegetable like broccoli or green beans. If using frozen, just add it in the same step you would the fresh asparagus and cook until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the orzo cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the pasta.
