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Cheesy Asparagus Orzotto with Leeks and Peas

A white bowl filled with creamy Cheesy asparagus orzotto mixed with bright green peas and asparagus tips.
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Make this creamy orzotto, which uses orzo pasta treated like risotto, for a comforting and seasonal side dish that feels gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and washed well
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, warm
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet peas
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the edges look slightly translucent.
  4. Add one ladle (about 1 cup) of the warm vegetable broth to the orzo. Stir continuously until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
  5. Continue adding the broth one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. This process takes about 12-15 minutes.
  6. When you have about 1 cup of broth left, stir in the asparagus pieces and the peas. Continue cooking and adding the remaining broth until the orzo is creamy and al dente, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  8. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
  9. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Rinse the leeks thoroughly under cold water after slicing to remove any hidden grit.
  • If you do not have vegetable broth, chicken broth works as a substitute for this recipe.
  • For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/cheesy-asparagus-orzotto-recipe/