- 1 bunch asparagus, about 10-12 stalks
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for the pasta water)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons black truffle butter
- Parmesan cheese curls for garnish
Serves 4
Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus. Set aside.
Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil. Place the asparagus into the boiling water, stirring for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the asparagus, setting aside on towels to cool and dry.
Return the water to a boil. Add the salt and orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Cook 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain into a colander. Transfer the orzo to a bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, cut the now cool asparagus into 1/2-inch pieces, cutting on the bias.
In an 11-inch-wide skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add in the cut asparagus and the sliced garlic, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium, add in the cooked orzo, and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring to combine. Add in the heavy cream and butter, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Off the heat, add in 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and black truffle butter, stirring to combine. Serve, sprinkling with the remaining tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Add additional Parmesan cheese curls to garnish.
Orzo, also known as risoni, is a delightful type of pasta that resembles large grains of rice. The rice-like shape often leads to confusion as people sometimes mistake it for rice or barley due to its appearance. This pastina (little pasta) is delicious added to soups, salads, or as creamy side dish in this recipe. We add black truffle butter as an indulgent ingredient for this Parmesan orzo pasta dish. If not using truffle butter, simply substitute your favorite salted butter instead.