Lemon Pepper Orzo Bake
A delightful dish combining creamy goodness with the freshness of lemon and crisp asparagus, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the orzo, chopped asparagus, vegetable broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from the oven, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served warm. It can be paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. To store leftovers, allow the orzo bake to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or onions when mixing the ingredients. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables if asparagus isn’t your thing.