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Orzo with Asparagus & Feta

Orzo with Asparagus & Feta
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Orzo with Asparagus & Feta is a quick and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, and creamy feta cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this light and nutritious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy lunch, delivering vibrant flavors with simple ingredients and easy customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little cooking water for later use.
  2. Cook the Asparagus: While the orzo cooks, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the asparagus for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Combine: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water to keep the dish moist.
  4. Add Feta and Seasonings: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese, fresh lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine, allowing the feta to soften against the warm pasta and asparagus.
  5. Garnish with Herbs and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or dill for freshness and color. Serve warm or at room temperature as a light and delightful meal.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking orzo to maintain a pleasant al dente texture.
  • Reserve a little pasta water to create a light sauce that helps ingredients bind.
  • Toast feta briefly in the warm skillet for extra flavor without melting it.
  • Trim asparagus by bending each spear near the base until it snaps naturally to remove tough parts.
  • Don’t skip fresh lemon zest as it adds incredible aroma and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo, asparagus, feta, quick meal, healthy lunch, Mediterranean recipe, vegetarian, light meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/orzo-with-asparagus-feta/