Lemon Dill Orzo with Garlic Asparagus
By Tiffy Cooks
If you need a veggie-packed meal that’s not boring, try this super simple, one-pan Lemon Dill Orzo with Garlic Asparagus. This orzo is creamy just like a risotto, but much easier to make with simple pantry ingredients. Tasty both hot and cold, this one-pan dish is so bright and fresh thanks to lemon and fresh dill. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Lemon Dill Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2-3 tbsp Lemon Juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Garlic Asparagus Orzo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bunch asparagus chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups dry orzo
- 3 cups vegetable broth Or chicken broth
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2-3 tbsp Lemon Juice , 1 tbsp honey, chopped 3 tbsp fresh dill, Salt & black pepper. Taste and adjust to your preference: more lemon for brightness, more honey for balance.
- In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 3-4 cloves garlic (chopped) for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the chopped 1 bunch asparagus. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pan with that delicious garlicky oil, add the 1½ cups dry orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the 3 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the broth is mostly absorbed. It should be creamy and no draining is needed!
- Add the asparagus back into the orzo, then drizzle in the lemon dill sauce. Stir well to combine and let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon into bowls and top with extra dill, chili flakes, grated parmesan, or your favorite protein. Serve hot or let it cool and enjoy as a refreshing pasta salad later.
Notes
Optional: serve with extra lemon wedges, chili flakes, parmesan, or protein of choice (grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
Nutrition
Calories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 712mgPotassium: 375mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1250IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 3mg
