Orzo Primavera with Spring Vegetables (Printable Version)
Tender orzo pasta with fresh spring vegetables in a light, creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 9 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
# Directions:
01 - Bring 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Cook the orzo according to package directions 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 minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced yellow bell pepper, asparagus pieces, and peas. Sauté for 4 to 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, grated 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 chopped fresh basil and parsley.
06 - Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The vegetables stay bright and crisp instead of turning mushy
- That lemony Parmesan sauce coats every tiny piece of pasta perfectly
- It looks impressive but honestly comes together faster than ordering takeout
02 -
- That reserved pasta water is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce cling to every piece
- Do not overcook the vegetables or you will lose that wonderful fresh texture
- The lemon zest is just as important as the juice for that bright flavor
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly
- Have everything measured and ready before you start because the cooking goes fast