Are you looking for easy camping meals that are super delicious and quick to prepare, then Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo will save the day. This dish combines the richness of cheese with crispy asparagus, creating a very unique flavor.
What is my favorite thing about making this dish every time I go camping? It cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick and easy — giving us more time to enjoy the outdoors.
So whether you’re a camping aficionado or just getting your feet wet, this recipe is a great addition to your adventure plans next trip! It’s easy to cook, easy to clean up after — and can be endlessly varied.
Contents
Main Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you can use for 2 servings :
- ½ lb asparagus
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup orzo
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
Equipment
Before you start cooking Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo, gather these essentials:
- One medium pot: For cooking the entire dish.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping your asparagus and other ingredients.
- Serving spoon: For mixing and serving your orzo.
- Camping stove or portable burner: Makes cooking this meal outdoors a breeze.
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo
| Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes |
Cooking is pretty straightforward. Here is a step-to-step guideline to cook Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo:
- Prepare the asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
- Add everything together: To the same medium pot, stir in the asparagus, orzo, thyme, basil, all the spices (the garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt) then pour in 2 cups water and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook the orzo: Bring everything to a low boil for around 4 minutes, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes more, until the orzo is tender.
- Melt the cheese: When the pasta is done, add the cheese into the pot, the cheese will melt with the leftover water into a sauce.
- Topping and serving: Top with the sun-dried tomatoes and the pine nuts, Season with salt and pepper to rate. Portion into bowls and serve, the dish is done!
Tip: The timing varies depending on the brand of orzo used (consult the back of the package) – ours required a total of 9 minutes. If the pot begins to dry out then feel free to add a bit more water as needed.
Why is This Recipe Perfect for Camping?
Here are some reasons why you will add Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo to your camping meal plan:
- Quick cleanup: This dish uses one pot, so cleanup is a breeze and you have all the time in the world to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Quick prep: You can have a big meal in front of you in 15 minutes.
- Suitable for Crowd: You can just double the recipe if you need, and you can serve a crowd.
- Flexible: You can make this with your favorite cheeses, or add mushrooms, peas, or other ingredients.
- Filling & gratifying: The creamy consistency plus the cheese and asparagus make this dish heavy and filling enough to serve as a meal after a day of touring.
5 Tips for Your Better Dish
- Prep ingredients beforehand: Chop the asparagus and measure out your spices at home, so you can spend less time in the campsite kitchen. They can be placed in airtight containers or zip-top bags for packing and portability.
- Choose the right cheese: Vary from the usual slate of cheese and use Parmigiano, Gruyere or a combination of your favorites to customize this dish flavor-wise.
- Use fresh ingredients:Fresh asparagus and good olive oil make a remarkable improvement to the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Adjust for dietary preferences: Replace cheese with dairy free alternatives or add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Use a camping checklist: Ensure you do not forget any vital equipment (your camping stove or serving spoon, for example) so that cooking goes without a hitch.
Conclusion
Try this Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo recipe on your next camping trip, good luck with this delicious dish.
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