Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Orzo combined with fresh peas and asparagus, infused with garlic, basil, and a touch of smoked paprika. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a delicious balance of fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (butter also works)
- 6-8 cloves garlic – minced
- 3 leeks – finely chopped with hard green part cut off
- 1/2 cup finely chopped basil
- 1 1/4 cup dry orzo
Liquid & Seasonings
- 3 1/4 cup bone broth (sub veggie broth or chicken broth if desired)
- 3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your saltiness preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 bunch asparagus – tops cut off and then finely sliced (remove hard bottom first)
Garnish & Extras
- drizzle olive oil
- red pepper flakes
- additional fresh chopped basil
- additional grated parmesan
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Heat aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add finely chopped leeks and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer orzo mixture: Add the dry orzo, chopped basil, bone broth, grated parmesan, lemon juice, salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the orzo to absorb the flavors and the broth.
- Add vegetables: Remove the lid, then add the sliced asparagus and frozen peas to the pan. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the asparagus and peas are tender but still vibrant.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and garnish with red pepper flakes, additional fresh basil, extra grated parmesan, and freshly ground pepper. Serve warm for a creamy, cheesy, and fresh vegetable orzo dish.
Notes
- You can substitute bone broth with vegetable or chicken broth based on preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the salt level to your taste, especially if using salted broth or Parmesan cheese.
- Butter can be used instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to remove the hard bottom part of asparagus to ensure tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
