Spring Delight Orzo Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with this delightful Spring Delight Orzo Medley. Tender orzo pasta is perfectly combined with fresh vegetables like mushrooms, baby carrots, and green peas, all enveloped in a rich buttery broth. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but is also incredibly satisfying and packed with nutrients. Whether you're hosting a spring gathering or simply enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish will surely impress with its colorful presentation and comforting taste. Perfectly topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
small onion
1 (finely chopped)
sliced mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
baby carrots
1 cup (sliced)
green peas
1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
chicken or vegetable broth
32 ounces (low-sodium)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated (plus more for serving))
parsley
to taste (chopped)
salt
to taste (as needed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the buttery mixture.
4
Pour in the sliced baby carrots, green peas, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7
Cover the saucepan and let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the orzo to finish cooking.
8
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spring Delight Orzo Medley?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring orzo, fresh vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and peas, cooked in a buttery broth with Parmesan cheese.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
Is Spring Delight Orzo Medley vegetarian?
It can be vegetarian if you choose to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and mushrooms?
The onions and mushrooms should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until translucent and tender.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen green peas.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use 32 ounces of either low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The baby carrots should be sliced before being added to the mixture.
Do I need to cook the orzo before adding it to the pan?
No, the orzo is added uncooked and is cooked directly in the broth.
How long should the orzo simmer?
Simmer the orzo for about 5 minutes until it is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Add the grated Parmesan cheese after removing the saucepan from the heat.
What is the resting time for this dish?
The dish should rest covered for 5 to 8 minutes to let flavors meld and the orzo finish cooking.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
The recipe uses fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.
What size onion should I use?
A small onion, finely chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
What kind of saucepan is best for this recipe?
A large heavy saucepan is recommended for even cooking.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy meal and a quick dinner.
Can I serve extra cheese on the side?
Yes, it is recommended to serve with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It has a rich buttery taste with fresh vegetable notes and a savory Parmesan finish.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from various vegetables and uses low-sodium broth.
Can I use sliced regular carrots?
While the recipe calls for baby carrots, sliced regular carrots would also work fine.
What should the heat be for melting butter?
Melt the butter over medium heat.
Do I need to coat the orzo in butter?
Yes, stir in the orzo to ensure it is well coated with the buttery mixture before adding broth.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of sliced mushrooms; any common variety like white or cremini works well.
Is the broth added at room temperature?
The recipe does not specify temperature, but it will be brought to a rolling boil after adding.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to sprinkle with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Is this dish suitable for spring gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for spring gatherings due to its colorful presentation.
How do I know when the orzo is done?
The orzo is done when it is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.