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One Pot Orzo Primavera is bursting with green vegetables and a luscious sauce kissed with cream, garlic, and a touch of lemon—all cooked in a single pan!
This one pot pasta has it all: tender asparagus, crisp broccoli, sweet peas, juicy grape tomatoes, garlic, lemon, orzo pasta, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, but especially for spring lovers looking for a quick, flavorful, and colorful meal. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this primavera orzo delivers fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.

What Makes This Recipe So Good
This Orzo Primavera shines because it’s vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy. The tender orzo pasta soaks up a light, flavorful sauce while the crisp vegetables—like asparagus, broccoli, and peas—stay perfectly textured, making every bite satisfying. It’s a simple recipe that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese brings brightness and richness to the dish, balancing the fresh vegetables beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a springtime gathering, this recipe captures the best of pasta primavera in a single, fuss-free pot.
What Goes Into Orzo Primavera
This One Pot Orzo Primavera uses fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together quickly for a colorful and flavorful dish. Here are the essentials that make it shine:
- Orzo Pasta: Tender, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce and vegetables.
- Broccoli: Adds a satisfying crunch and bright green color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Asparagus: Sweet and earthy, perfectly cooked asparagus brings springtime freshness to this primavera orzo.
- Parmesan Cheese: Rich and savory, it rounds out the flavors and creates a creamy, satisfying finish.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Orzo Primavera
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and fry the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, then add the orzo, lightly frying for 2 minutes so it starts to brown and soak up the flavors.
- Add Broccoli and Asparagus: Toss in broccoli and asparagus, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes to let them absorb the flavors.
- Pour in Broth and Season: Add vegetable broth and 3/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Until Liquid is Mostly Absorbed: Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Peas and Parmesan: Uncover the pot and gently fold in peas and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking on low for 2–3 minutes until peas are tender, cheese melts, and pasta is done.
- Stir in Cream and Lemon: Remove from heat and stir in half and half, then squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with halved grape tomatoes and freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately while warm.
For a fun and unexpected twist alongside your Orzo Primavera, try pairing it with Churro Apple Pie Bowls with Caramel Sauce, which bring a playful sweetness and cinnamon-kissed warmth that contrast beautifully with the fresh, bright flavors of the pasta. Another unique option is Peanut Butter Choc Chip Deep Dish Skillet Cookie, offering a rich, indulgent treat that adds a surprising dessert-like element to the meal without overwhelming the primavera’s freshness.
For something refreshing and slightly tangy, serve it with a Strawberry Coconut Cheesecake Salad, which adds a burst of fruity flavor and a creamy texture that complements the tender orzo and crisp vegetables. These three pairings transform a simple weeknight meal into a vibrant and memorable dining experience.
Tips For Making Orzo Primavera
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and color. Asparagus, broccoli, and peas really make this Orzo Primavera shine.
- Keep your orzo al dente. A little bite in the pasta makes it hold up beautifully with the sautéed vegetables and creamy sauce.
- For a pop of freshness, add a touch of lemon zest along with the juice right before serving. It lifts the primavera orzo and makes it taste extra bright.
- Don’t be afraid to swap vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have in the fridge. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or snap peas all work wonderfully.
Recipe FAQ’s
About 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Yes, it works as a pasta salad too. Chill it and enjoy it cold for a refreshing lunch or picnic dish.
For sure. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu are excellent additions to make this orzo primavera recipe more filling.
One Pot Orzo Primavera
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets, discard stem
- 21 ounces asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces, woody ends snapped off
- 8 ounces dry orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or stock)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup half and half option to use reduced fat cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 pinch salt extra to taste if needed
- 1 pinch pepper extra to taste if needed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 pinch fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the onion for 2-3 minutes until transparent. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant; add the orzo and fry to brown slightly (about 2 minutes) in the oil.
- Next, add in the broccoli florets and asparagus pieces, stirring occasionally for a further 2 minutes to absorb all the flavours in the pot.
- Pour in the broth along with 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat down to low and allow to cook for 5-6 minutes, until most of the liquid has absorbed, while stirring occasionally.
- Uncover the pot and add in the peas and parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine with the rest of the ingredients, and continue to cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes until the peas have cooked through, the cheese has melted, and the pasta is cooked to your liking, while stirring occasionally.
- Take off the heat. Stir the half and half through to combine well and squeeze in the lemon juice. Mix through; taste test and add more salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish with the fresh chopped parsley; top with the grape tomatoes and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Amazing taste, didn’t have broccoli or tomatoes but used some tomato paste and it was so delicious!
Great recipe overall. I found the asparagus and broccoli got cooked too much so I will not add them in until later when I make this next time. I added some orange peppers with the onions too. Delicious!