Zia Hatch Chile Orzo with Lemon and Greens

Looking for a light pasta dish to ease you into warmer Spring days? Our recipe for Hatch Chile Orzo with lemon and greens is quite simple and fast to make and will look beautiful on your dinner table. 

Ingredients: 

- 1 cup Orzo

- 1/2 bunch Asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and diagonally sliced 

- 1/2 jar Zia Hatch Green Chile (strained)

- 1 clove Garlic, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup Parmesan, shredded or grated

- 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

- 1/2 cup Parsley 

- Salt and pepper to taste

For Dressing: 

- 1 tsp Lemon Zest

- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice

- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. Make dressing by combining Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 

2. In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo, and then after 4 minutes, add asparagus and Zia Hatch Green Chile. Cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than full cooking time, this exact figure can be found on the orzo package instructions). 

3. Drain this mixture, and then place into large bowl with the dressing. Stir until dressing and Orzo are combined. Stir in parmesan (if using) and parsely as well. Taste and season with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. 

4. In a skillet or cooking pan, heat olive oil over medium and add panko bread crumbs. Cook until golden brown. When almost finished, add garlic and mix. 

5. Top Orzo with toasted bread crumbs. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy! 

Want more delicious Hatch Chile Recipes? View more here!