Creamy Spring Pea Orzo

Name: Creamy Spring Pea Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore this Creamy Spring Pea Orzo! It's the perfect dish to celebrate spring with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The orzo absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a comforting yet elegant meal. I often whip this up when I want something quick that still feels special. The pop of sweetness from the peas combined with a hint of lemon is like a taste of spring on a plate, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and gatherings with friends.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:34:18.770Z

When I first made this dish, I was looking for a way to incorporate fresh spring vegetables into a satisfying meal. The combination of creamy sauce with bright peas was a hit among my friends and family. I realized that using vegetable broth instead of water to cook the orzo really enhances the dish’s flavor without adding much effort. It's become my go-to recipe during spring!

One of the best tips I've discovered is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. It helps to loosen the sauce to your desired creaminess while also benefiting from the starch released during cooking. This elevates the dish from good to fantastic!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy richness balanced perfectly with fresh spring flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Versatile – great as a side or a main dish

The Role of Ingredients

The choice of peas in this Creamy Spring Pea Orzo plays a pivotal role in the dish's flavor profile. Fresh peas are preferred for their sweetness and vibrant color, which truly enhances the overall aesthetic of the meal. If fresh peas are not available, frozen peas can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to add them during the last few minutes of sautéing to retain their bright color and snap. This slight alteration won't compromise the creamy integrity of the dish.

Heavy cream is essential for that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the orzo perfectly. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even a cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. However, keep in mind that altering the fat content can slightly affect the sauce's richness and thickness, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired creamy consistency.

Technique Tips for Perfect Orzo

Cooking orzo may seem straightforward, but timing is crucial to achieve the perfect al dente texture. When boiling the pasta, keep a close eye, especially during the last few minutes, as orzo can easily overcook and become mushy. Remember to drain the orzo promptly after it reaches the desired doneness, and don't forget to reserve some cooking water. This starchy water can be a game-changer for adjusting the sauce's thickness, allowing you to achieve that creamy texture without making it too heavy.

Once combined with the sauce, tossing the orzo well ensures that every piece is coated evenly. Using a silicone spatula can help to gently fold the ingredients together without breaking the pasta. If your mixture seems a bit too thick, adding the reserved cooking water should be done gradually; this way, you maintain control over the final consistency without diluting the flavors.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Spring Pea Orzo:

Cook the Orzo

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the orzo.

Sauté the Peas

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender.

Make the Sauce

Stir the heavy cream into the skillet with the peas, followed by the lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Orzo and Sauce

Add the drained orzo to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted asparagus. You can also use cream cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Spring Pea Orzo is incredibly versatile and can be served either as a light main dish or as a side to complement a protein. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp, adding a refreshing contrast to richer flavors. For a vegetarian option, consider adding roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed asparagus for extra color and nutrients.

When serving, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds an attractive touch and intensifies the overall flavor. You could also drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil over the dish just before serving for a touch of richness and to enhance the freshness of the basil.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. If you're planning to make it in advance, cook the orzo and prepare the sauce up to a day before, then combine them just before serving. To store, keep the orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to bring back the creaminess, as the sauce may thicken in the fridge.

Freezing is an option as well, but I recommend undercooking the orzo slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating. Freeze the orzo and sauce separately, and combine them during the reheating process, adding a bit of water if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole grain orzo?

Yes! Whole grain orzo will work well, but it may require additional cooking time.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ What other vegetables pair well in this dish?

You can add spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for more variety. Just sauté them along with the peas!