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Creamy Orzo with Roasted Asparagus

5 from 3 votes

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A creamy Orzo Pasta Recipe with garlic roasted asparagus and tomatoes, loads of parmesan, a divine amount of butter, and Boursin cheese. 

Is there anything better than cheese and pasta?! Nay. Nay I say. Unless you're in the mood for MORE carbs, then by all means pair it with the most perfect Soft Fluffy French Bread.Black pan of cooked orzo, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, parmesan cheese on top with blue tea towel.

Creamy Orzo Pasta

Orzo pasta recipes are an obsession. This is an easy to customize creamy orzo that you'll swoon over! I make it with creamy soft boursin cheese to make it extra delicious. And did I already mention the PARMESAN?? It's simply lovely.  This recipe feeds 4-5, but can easily be doubled or halved to fit your needs. I double it for myself, no judgies.

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta, shaped just like long grain rice. It is a little larger when boiled, and has a very mild flavor just like other plain pasta noodles.

Is Orzo the same as risotto?

No, Orzo and Risotto are not the same thing. Risotto is a creamy italian dish made with a certain type of rice (Arborio) and rich broth. Orzo is simply a type of pasta that is shaped like long grain rice. Orzo can however be used as a substitute for arborio rice in a risotto recipe.

raw orzo, raw asparagus and tomatoes in a pan, parmesan cheese on blue tea towel, basil leaves on marble board, boursin cheese unwrapped on countertop.

Ingredients needed for orzo pasta recipe

Here's the grocery list for this orzo recipe, it's not a long list, especially if you already have several of the ingredients on hand.  Printable recipe below as always.

  • Orzo - can be found in most stores with the pastas.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth - can use water in place of broth.
  • Asparagus 
  • Tomatoes -  grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes are perfect for roasting in this recipe.
  • Boursin Cheese - Garlic and Fine Herb flavored soft gournay cheese.
  • Fresh basil 
  • Milk - for the sauce
  • Garlic - fresh minced
  • SO MUCH Parmesan - fresh grated. I PLEAD with you to get fresh, don't use the preserved bottled variety.
  • Butter
  • Olive oil, Salt & Pepper

Cooked orzo in a pan with boursin cheese on top.

How to cook Orzo:

Cooking orzo is just like cooking other types of pasta. It's so easy! Here are the basic instructions of how to cook orzo along with the rest of the recipe.

  • Preheat oven & heat broth in a medium/large pot until simmering.
  • Roast the asparagus and tomatoes in garlic & olive oil  while the broth heats.
  • Add Orzo pasta to the simmering broth and cook for 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
  • Remove from heat, stir in Boursin (gournay cheese), milk, parmesan cheese, and butter. Salt and pepper as desired.
  • Top with roasted asparagus and tomatoes, add a liberal amount of fresh basil and even MORE parmesan, don't be stingy.

Pouring grated parmesan cheese onto cooked orzo.

What to serve with orzo pasta

There are a variety of side dishes that go with orzo, here are a few I love. There are some delicious greens as well as more carbs because well, it's me.

side view of Black pan of cooked orzo, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, parmesan cheese on top with blue tea towel.

More Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipes

Here are a few more unique pasta recipes for you to try. These are some of our favorites!

📝 Printable Recipe

Black pan of cooked orzo, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, parmesan cheese on top with blue tea towel.

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Asparagus

Author: Sara Smith
A creamy Orzo Pasta Recipe with garlic roasted asparagus and tomatoes, loads of parmesan, a divine amount of butter, and Boursin cheese. 
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 402 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 lb Asparagus
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 (5.2 oz) box Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Gournay Cheese
  • ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions
 

For the Asparagus & Tomatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • On a large baking pan place rinsed and trimmed asparagus, tomatoes, and minced garlic.
  • Drizzle vegetables with olive oil and stir to coat evenly, then lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until asparagus is tender.

For the Orzo:

  • Meanwhile prepare orzo by adding the broth to a medium pot, heating to boiling, adding pasta, and cooking 5-7 minutes until al dente and pasta has completely absorbed liquid.
  • To the pasta add butter, boursin cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir in gently until everything melts together smoothly.
  • To serve, stir in asparagus and tomatoes or place on top of individual servings of orzo pasta. Add grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Notes

To reheat, add a few tablespoons of milk, stir, then heat until ready to serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 17gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 705mgPotassium: 718mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2334IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 252mgIron: 4mg
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p style="text-align: center;">Overhead view of cooked orzo pasta with tomatoes, asparagus, parmesan and basil leaves. Text on photo: creamy garlic orzo pasta

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