Spring Celebration Orzo

Ingredients

• 8 ouncesuncooked orzo
• 1 poundasparagus spears, cut into 2-inch-long slices (snap off rough ends before slicing)
• 1 cupfrozen green peas, thawed
• 3 ouncesfresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoonsalt
• 3 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cupthinly sliced fresh basil leaves (about 10)

Preparation

1. Cook orzo according to package directions. When 3 minutes of cooking time remain, add asparagus. Cook for 1 minute, then add peas and cook for the final 2 minutes. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to make 12 curls of Parmesan. Grate remaining cheese and set aside.

3. Combine salt, lemon juice, and olive oil; whisk together. Toss orzo in lemon-juice mixture; stir in grated cheese and basil. Serve warm or at room temperature with Parmesan curls. Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.