Orzo Primavera with Spring Vegetables (Printable)
Tender orzo with fresh spring vegetables in a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 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 (plus extra for serving)
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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
03 - Add diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, asparagus pieces, and peas to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
04 - Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the reserved pasta water, then stir in grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce becomes creamy.
05 - Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh basil and parsley.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It transforms ordinary vegetables into something that feels like a celebration of spring
- The orzo creates this incredible creamy texture without any heavy cream
- You can swap vegetables based on whatever looks fresh at the market
02 -
- Reserving pasta water is absolutely crucial since it's what transforms the Parmesan into a creamy sauce
- Dont overcook the vegetables since you want them to maintain their texture and individual flavors
- Add the lemon juice at the very end or the bright acidity will diminish during cooking
03 -
- Work efficiently once you start cooking since vegetables continue to cook even after you remove them from heat
- Room temperature vegetables cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the refrigerator