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.

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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! 

Thanks so much for supporting a small business and visiting our family owned blog 💕

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:

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

• 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.

More orzo recipes you might like:

• Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Orzo Salad
• Orzo and Mushroom Casserole
• Lemony Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
• Orzo Tomato Spinach Soup
• Cheesy Spinach Rice and Orzo
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo
• Parmesan Orzo

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

Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:

• OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater Green
• Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
• Amazon Basics 12-Piece Color-Coded Kitchen Knife Set
• Nextrend Garlic Twister
• OXO Good Grips 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer
• OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set

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

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.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Recipes around this time in blog history....

One year ago:

• Rhubarb Dump Cake

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