Your weeknight dinners are about to get a whole lot cozier with this delightful Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus. It’s a surefire hit that marries the creamy, cheesy goodness of orzo with the freshness of asparagus and the savory depth of seasoned chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
- Family Favorite: The creamy texture and savory flavors make it an instant hit with both kids and adults.
- 30-Minute Meal: Delicious, hearty food in less than half an hour—perfect for busy nights!
- Customizable: Easily adjusted to fit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an integral role, enhancing the creamy texture and delightful flavors. Let’s talk about what makes this dish shine.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the key protein component, offering a lean and healthy piece of meat.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta lends a soft, creamy consistency that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Asparagus: Adds a pop of color and a tender, crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: The classic Italian cheese that brings a sharp, salty depth to the creamy sauce.
- Half and Half: Provides that rich, luscious texture without the heavy cream calories.
- Chicken Broth: Flavors the orzo and helps it cook to perfection.
- Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables, adding a velvety finish.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and paprika create a simple yet effective seasoning for the chicken.
- Onion and Garlic: The dynamic duo for imparting a warm and fragrant aroma to the dish.
- Parsley: Perfect for a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
Variations
Ready to add your own spin? This dish is incredibly adaptable, and you can tweak it to fit dietary needs or simply to use what’s in your pantry.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a meatless version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an added dimension of spice.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a decadent seafood variation.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream and vegetable broth, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, season the chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step is crucial to infuse your chicken with flavor. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken until it’s beautifully golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the asparagus and give it a quick sauté, just until it begins to soften and achieve a slight char. Remove the asparagus and set them aside. Next, it’s onion and garlic time! Let them sauté until your kitchen smells irresistible and the onions turn translucent.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet, letting it toast ever so slightly for about a minute. This short toasting step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the pasta. Pour in your half and half and chicken broth, then bring the whole mix to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the creamy liquids.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Stir the Parmesan cheese into the orzo for that luxurious, cheesy finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in the asparagus and either slice the chicken to mix in or lay it aesthetically over the creamy orzo. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if you wish, and serve this masterpiece warm.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
- Chicken Temperature: For the juiciest chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Orzo Texture: Toasting the orzo initially enhances its nutty flavor, a step that is well worth the extra minute.
- Customize Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of half-and-half and cheese to suit how creamy you like your dish.
- Pairing Herbs: Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs like basil or rosemary to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Garnishes
For a finished touch, generously sprinkle chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top of your creamy orzo to add vibrant color and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your orzo dish with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every creamy bite. A glass of crisp white wine would complement the rich, cheesy flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this dish in individual bowls for each guest, or make it the centerpiece of your table in a large family-style platter, decorated with colorful vegetables and sprigs of herbs to make it extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make for a quick and satisfying lunch on busy weekdays.
Freezing
The Creamy Parmesan Orzo can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently with a bit of broth to bring back its creaminess.
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What is the best substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use arborio rice or any small pasta like ditalini or even couscous as a substitute.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free pasta or rice alternative and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
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Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, frozen asparagus can be used. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry to maintain the right texture in your dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is an essential addition to your recipe collection. Easy to make, adaptable, and utterly delicious, it’s a dish that offers comfort in every bite. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy it as much as I do—happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, toasted orzo, and fresh asparagus, all simmered in a creamy half-and-half and chicken broth sauce, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless (about 3 pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup asparagus chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Grains and Liquids
- 2 cups orzo uncooked
- 2 cups half and half
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium, or water
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts: Rub the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides to flavor thoroughly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and set aside.
- Sauté the asparagus: In the same skillet, add the chopped asparagus and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened and browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add more olive oil if needed.
- Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly until lightly toasted for a nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and cook: Pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the sauce: Remove lid, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add asparagus and serve: Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet and stir to combine. Slice the cooked chicken thinly and either mix into the skillet or arrange on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving warm.
Notes
- Half and half is a mixture of equal parts whole milk and light cream, approximately 10–12% fat.
- This dish can be customized by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 556 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 756 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
