Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus

📝 Description:

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a one-pan comfort dish featuring tender bites of seared chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. This quick and elegant meal blends bold flavors and textures in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

🍗 Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the orzo and sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic & Toast Orzo:
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.

3. Simmer Orzo:
   Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

4. Add Asparagus & Chicken:
   Stir in asparagus and cooked chicken. Simmer for 4–5 more minutes until orzo is tender and asparagus is just crisp-tender.

5. Finish with Cheese & Seasoning:
   Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

🧀 Notes:

• You can substitute asparagus with peas, broccoli, or spinach.

• Orzo cooks quickly, so stir often to avoid sticking.

• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.

• Parmesan should be freshly grated for the best melt and taste.

🔪 Tips:

• Cook chicken in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the pan.

• Toasting orzo adds a nice nutty depth—don’t skip this step!

• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

• For vegetarian, skip chicken and use veggie broth and mushrooms instead.

🍽️ Servings:

Serves 4 (generous portions)

🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 460

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 520mg

🌟 Benefits:

• Balanced Meal: Combines protein, fiber, and carbs in one dish.

• Quick & One-Pan: Minimal cleanup with max flavor.

• Vegetable Boost: Great way to sneak in asparagus or other veggies.

• Kid-Friendly: Creamy and cheesy – generally a hit with all ages.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It can be frozen, but orzo may become slightly soft. For best results, refrigerate and consume within 3 days.

Q: Can I use whole wheat orzo?
A: Yes, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan?
A: Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes.