Orzo Primavera Italian Pasta (Printable)

Tender orzo pasta with zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, and peas in a light lemon-Parmesan sauce with fresh herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8.8 oz orzo pasta
02 - 6.3 cups water
03 - 1 tsp salt

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup asparagus, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
08 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

→ Aromatics & Sauce

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring 6.3 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a large pot. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, asparagus, and peas to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
04 - Add the drained orzo to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in the reserved pasta water, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until everything is well combined and creamy.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in basil and parsley. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This dish comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The lemon and Parmesan create an incredibly creamy sauce without any heavy cream
  • You can swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge or seasonal finds
02 -
  • The pasta water is crucial for creating that silky sauce that clings to the orzo
  • Don't overcrowd your skillet or the vegetables will steam instead of sautéing
  • Add the fresh herbs at the very end to keep their bright green color and flavor
03 -
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you need for easier sauce adjustment
  • Grate your Parmesan from a wedge instead of buying pre grated for better melting

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