If you're looking for a dish that's light, flavorful, and easy to make, then you need to try lemony orzo with asparagus and garlic bread crumbs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, or even a fancy dinner party. The orzo is cooked to perfection and mixed with fresh asparagus, lemon juice, and garlic bread crumbs for added texture and flavor. Let's take a closer look at how to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the breadcrumb mixture from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the asparagus to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
5. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the asparagus and toss to combine.
6. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese and toss again.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the orzo topped with the garlic breadcrumb mixture.
Variations:
There are many ways you can customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Swap out the Parmesan cheese for feta or goat cheese.
- Use pine nuts instead of breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
Conclusion:
Lemony orzo with asparagus and garlic bread crumbs is a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So why not give it a try?
