Orzo with Asparagus & Feta
This Easy Orzo with Asparagus & Feta recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and quick one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta combines with crisp asparagus and tangy feta cheese to create a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It is a light, nutritious meal that can be customized easily and prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Primary Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, rinsed and trimmed into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prep the asparagus and garlic: Rinse and trim the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, then mince the garlic to prepare fresh flavor components for cooking.
- Sauté garlic and asparagus: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the asparagus pieces and cook until tender but still crisp.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the dry orzo, coating it with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with lemon and feta: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon zest and juice to add brightness. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently so it softens and creates a creamy texture.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness.
- Reserve some broth to adjust consistency if needed.
- Add lemon juice gradually to balance flavors.
- Choose good-quality feta cheese for enhanced taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: orzo, asparagus, feta, quick dinner, one-pot meal, healthy pasta, Mediterranean recipe