If you’re looking for a comforting yet sophisticated dish that’s ready in no time, our Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is your culinary soulmate! This delightful mix of tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and luscious orzo all kissed by a tangy Parmesan hug, makes an irresistible meal for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with vegetables or seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of Parmesan and half and half creates a velvety finish that comforts the soul.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving on cleanup time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus lies in its simplicity! Each ingredient plays its part in delivering flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Chicken Breast: Go for boneless and skinless for quicker cooking and more tender slices.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta offers a unique texture and acts as a perfect base for our creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan infuses the dish with unparalleled flavor and aroma.
- Asparagus: With just the right amount of crunch, it adds freshness and a pop of color.
Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own! With a few swaps, you can easily adapt the Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus to cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with more vegetables like mushrooms or grilled zucchini for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a bit of mozzarella for an extra gooey and cheesy consistency.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a warm plate, ready to shine later.
Step 2: Saute Vegetables
Add the asparagus to the same skillet and sauté until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove and keep with the chicken. Next, toss in the onions and garlic, allowing them to mingle and bring out that beautiful aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo into the skillet for a quick toast. Pour in the half and half along with chicken broth, stirring until combined. Allow it to boil, then cover and simmer to achieve juicy orzo perfection!
Step 4: Mix and Serve
Once the orzo is creamy and cooked, stir in the Parmesan and season as needed. Add back the asparagus, stirring to combine. Slice the chicken and arrange over the top, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
- Sealing the Flavor: Searing the chicken locks in juices, providing a succulent taste and texture.
- Perfect Orzo Texture: Toast the orzo lightly before adding liquids to deepen its flavor.
- Cream Consistency: Allow the orzo to cool slightly before adding Parmesan for an ultra-creamy finish.
- Green Goodness: Asparagus should be sautéed until just tender, ensuring a crunchy contrast within the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Garnishes
Toss a handful of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan on top to enhance visual appeal and aroma. A light drizzle of lemon juice just before serving can heighten the overall flavor, adding brightness with each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also complement this dish well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving in individual bowls or deep plates, each topped with an artistic swirl of cream or a sprinkle of herbs can turn a weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. Adding a gentle dusting of paprika on top adds both color and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is fully cooled before sealing in an airtight container to maintain best flavor and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the orzo into containers suited for freezing. It will maintain its quality for about 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Stir gently until warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan offers that classic cheesy taste, Pecorino Romano or even Asiago can be delightful alternatives, providing their own unique twist.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, opt for coconut cream instead of half and half, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version that still packs a punch of flavor.
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What can I use if I don’t have orzo?
If orzo isn’t available, try small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini as substitutes, keeping their cooking times in check for the perfect texture.
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Can I make this meal ahead for a party?
Yes, prepare the dish up to a day in advance, but stop before adding the chicken. When it’s go-time, slice and lay the chicken atop the warmed orzo, ensuring everything stays fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is not just a recipe—it’s an experience you’ll crave time after time. Full of hearty flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your cooking repertoire! Try it out, and let it bring a warm, comforting delight to your table.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Description
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, nutty toasted orzo, and fresh asparagus in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe offers an irresistible blend of textures and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless (about 3 breasts)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Oil & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Dairy
- 2 cups orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups half and half
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or water
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- 2 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating for flavor.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil 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 chopped asparagus and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften and brown slightly. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, adding more olive oil if needed.
- Toast the orzo: Add uncooked orzo to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continually, until lightly toasted for a nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in half and half and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the lid, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine ingredients: Reintroduce the sautéed asparagus into the skillet. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and either stir into the orzo or arrange on top as a garnish. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve: Dish is ready to serve warm, offering a luscious, cheesy, and hearty flavor profile.
Notes
- Half and half is a blend of whole milk and light cream, providing a rich texture with about 10-12% fat content.
- This dish is highly adaptable; you can incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
- Ensure not to overcook the orzo to maintain a perfect creamy consistency; it should be tender yet firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
