Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta

04.28.14
Hello! You've landed on an older recipe. Sometimes the older recipes aren't written as clearly as they should be or something might need to be clarified. If something seems confusing or a question arises, send me an email and I'll help!

Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta
Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta
One of the things I miss about the midwest is the slow transition into spring. I know I've been showing (flaunting) all the wonderful weather in California but coming home to Illinois for a few days made me realize how much I appreciate the renewal season a bit more when it comes on the heals of a cold winter and takes it's sweet time of arriving.

While home I was able to pop in and visit my close friend who has done me proud (hi Brittany!) She has a garden, a cute chicken coop, and horses. She's probably lucky I didn't just move in with her (because she also has the cutest 2 year old that has more spunk than five adults put together.) It was so fun to see everything and while her garden is slowly arriving, the asparagus has shot up.

This pasta dish is one of my quintessential spring dish (right along with the ricotta gnocchi with peas and herbed-lemon butter I whipped up for The Kitchn). Crème Fraîche is slightly newer to my kitchen but I'm finding 101 ways to use it. The tang is a the perfect compliment to the brght lemon and sweet honey. Plus, it makes for a creamy pasta dish without a lot of hassle!

Print

Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Erin Alderson
  • Yield: 3-4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Asapragus
  • ½ lb Asapragus, end trimmed off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pasta
  • 2 cup whole wheat orzo
  • ¼ cup creme fraiche
  • 2 teaspoons minced dill
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Light grill and bring heat to medium-low. Toss asparagus with olive oil and place directly on the grill or on a grill pan. Cook asparagus, rotating occasionally, until tender and lightly charring, 7-8 minutes. Remove from grill, chop into smaller pieces, and place in a bowl.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add orzo and cook until just tender, 7-9 minutes. Drain and add orzo to asparagus.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together creme fraiche, dill, honey , lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour over the still-warm orzo and stir until well combined. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and extra dill. Serve warm.

Notes

For added protein grill some tofu or add some white beans

[Recipe developed and first appeared in San Jose Mercury News]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

12 comments on “Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta”

  1. I totally agree with you about the season transitions. I grew up in in the SF East Bay and recently moved to Switzerland where the transition from snowy winter to blooming spring was amazing! I never knew what I was missing (but I can't help but miss the California sun). I did just buy some asparagus though and this recipe caught my eye. I think I will be making it soon, looks delish!

  2. I really like using crème fraîche in my cooking. This recipe looks delicious, loving the combination of dill with the honey and lemon. I haven't used wheat orzo yet so will have to give this a go.

  3. As much as I complain about winter, I do love the changing of the seasons, which is why I could probably never be Cali-bound (though it is fun to visit!). Creamy asparagus pasta always sounds good to me. I made a version with a cream cheese base for dinner this week, but I think you're right...creme fraiche really is the way to do it justice.

hi. 

Welcome to my little internet nook. On this site you'll find over a thousand vegetarian recipes, pantry knowledge, and more. I'm ever obsessed with food from gardening, cooking, and preserving. I hope you'll find endless inspiration on these pages and visit often. 

Virtual hugs, Erin (aka: e.l.l.a.)
A NATURALLY NEWSLETTER

a few good grain recipes

Do away with ads, get access to the back issues of casual, be the first to know about upcoming events, and more.
become a member

beans. beans. beans.

Have a nerdy food question, need a recipe recommendation, or just want to share something exciting you've made?
magnifiercross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram