Cheesy Orzo with Asparagus and Black Truffle Butter Recipe

Cheesy Orzo with Asparagus and Black Truffle Butter is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines creamy orzo pasta with tender asparagus and the luxurious taste of black truffle butter. The combination of cheese, truffle, and perfectly cooked orzo makes this dish rich and comforting, while the asparagus adds a fresh, crisp contrast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons black truffle butter (or truffle oil)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or Pecorino Romano)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the orzo:

• In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/4 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the asparagus:

• While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the black truffle butter and heavy cream (or milk), allowing the butter to melt and the sauce to come together.
• Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine.

4. Add cheese and asparagus:

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
• If the orzo looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Gently fold in the cooked asparagus.

5. Season and garnish:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a touch of freshness (optional).

6. Serve:

• Serve the cheesy orzo hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips:

• Black Truffle Butter: If you can’t find black truffle butter, use regular butter and finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for that earthy truffle flavor.
• Asparagus: Blanch the asparagus before sautéing if you prefer them to be a little more tender.
• Cheese: Parmesan is traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a richer flavor.

Summary:

Cheesy Orzo with Asparagus and Black Truffle Butter is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal. The orzo’s creamy texture, paired with the delicate taste of black truffle and the freshness of asparagus, creates a comforting and gourmet experience.