Saffron Orzo with Asparagus

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and luxurious Saffron Orzo with Asparagus! This creamy, risotto-like dish features tender orzo pasta infused with the delicate aroma of saffron and cooked to perfection in a rich vegetable broth. Fresh asparagus adds a crisp, slightly earthy contrast, while a splash of lemon zest and fresh parsley brighten every bite. Toasted orzo, sautéed onions, and garlic build a robust flavor foundation, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese brings a delightful creaminess. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity, ideal for springtime meals or elegant entertaining. Serve it as a comforting vegetarian main or a stunning side dish, and watch it become an instant favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 0.25 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cups yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable broth in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the saffron threads and let them steep while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 3

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

Step 6

Slowly ladle in 1 cup of the warmed saffron-infused broth, stirring frequently. As the liquid is absorbed, continue adding the broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the orzo is tender and creamy (about 10 minutes).

Step 7

In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 8

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cooked asparagus, remaining butter, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately and enjoy your saffron orzo with asparagus!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1860.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2185.7

Total Fat 77.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 105.8mg	0%
Sodium 4262.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 312.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.8g
Protein 81.1g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 775.8mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 2756.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 55.0%