Orzo Primavera

Have everything ready ahead of time because this goes quickly once you start cooking! From Southern Living.

• Ready In: 22 mins
• Serves: 7

Ingredients

• 3  quarts water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  cups orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1  lb fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1  teaspoon margarine or 1  teaspoon butter, melted
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  cup  frozen peas, thawed
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth or 1⁄2 cup vegetable broth
• 1  teaspoon fresh lemon rind, grated
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper, ground
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Directions

1. Combine water and salt in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
2. Add orzo and cook 5 minutes.
3. Add asparagus and cook 4 more minutes.
4. Drain and set aside in a large serving bowl.
5. Cook garlic and bell pepper in margarine and oil in Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until crisp-tender.
6. Keep stirring, and add peas; cook another minute. Add broth, lemon rind, and white pepper; bring to a boil and cook one minute.
7. Add vegetable mixture to orzo and asparagus; toss and top with parmesan cheese.