If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and brings a comforting touch to your dinner table, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus. This delightful recipe perfectly balances the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese with tender chicken and fresh asparagus, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The marriage of creamy orzo with savory chicken and crunchy asparagus creates a delightful array of textures and flavors.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: A surefire hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its comforting taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step towards creating a delicious Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the lovely taste and beautiful presentation you’re aiming for.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy bites packed with protein.
- Asparagus: Adds a pop of color and crunch, perfectly complementing the creaminess of the dish.
- Orzo: This rice-like pasta soaks up all the creamy goodness, holding the dish together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Half and Half: Provides a creamy base without overwhelming heaviness.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor profile, adding depth to the orzo.
Variations
This recipe for Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a wonderful canvas for your creativity. Dive into these variations to adapt the dish according to your taste or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and double up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms or zucchini!
- Whole Grain Option: Opt for whole wheat orzo to increase the fiber content and make it even healthier.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who crave a bit of heat.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet heated with olive oil, sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. This gives you a beautiful crust, sealing in juices.
Step 2: Sauté and Simmer
In the same skillet, sauté the asparagus until just softened and slightly browned, then set aside. Next, soften onions and garlic to aromatic perfection. Toast the orzo for a minute before adding half and half, chicken broth, bringing it to boil, then letting it cook covered until tender.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
Finally, stir in Parmesan cheese, add the orzo and asparagus, and mix until everything is creamy and well-combined. Slice the chicken and serve it over the orzo, garnishing with parsley and extra Parmesan for that final flourish!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
- Golden Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot to achieve a crisp, golden sear on the chicken.
- Perfect Creaminess: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated to avoid clumping and ensure smoothness.
- Nutty Orzo: Toast the orzo lightly before adding liquid to add a depth of flavor.
- Mind the Vegetables: Keep the asparagus bright and slightly crunchy by not overcooking.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for a rich burst of flavor, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a refreshing hit of green. A drizzle of lemon juice can also elevate the taste, offering a tangy complement to the creamy orzo.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or perhaps some roasted veggies like bell peppers and carrots to add a rainbow of flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, plate the Chicken and Asparagus Orzo in pretty individual bowls or ramekins. Garnish freely, taking care to create visual layers with the sliced chicken elegantly resting atop the orzo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftovers, transfer the cooled Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It makes for a perfect lunch the next day!
Freezing
While orzo can become mushy when frozen, this dish can last for up to a month in the freezer if sealed tightly. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy orzo gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra broth or half and half to restore its luscious texture. Alternatively, use the microwave for quicker results!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Farfalle or rotini would work well, though orzo truly captures the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the half and half with coconut milk or almond cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly dish.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply switch out the orzo for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice to keep it just as delicious, yet gluten-free.
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What can I use instead of asparagus?
Broccoli florets or snap peas make a great stand-in for asparagus, offering a similar crunch and color.
Final Thoughts
Give this Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus a try, and let it become a staple in your kitchen. Its rich flavors, simple preparation, and the sheer comfort it brings are bound to make it a recipe you and your loved ones will cherish repeatedly.
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
Description
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and vibrant asparagus in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a balance of creamy texture and aromatic flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless (about 3 pieces)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped asparagus
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 2 cups uncooked orzo
- 2 cups half and half (half milk, half light cream)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
Cheese & Herbs
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides, ensuring full coverage for flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a warm plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the chopped asparagus and cook for approximately 3 minutes until it begins to soften and develops some brown spots. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. Add extra olive oil if needed.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute to toast the grains slightly, enhancing their nutty flavor.
- Add Liquids and Cook: Pour in the half and half along with chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Parmesan: Remove the lid, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sautéed asparagus back into the skillet and mix thoroughly. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. You can either stir the slices into the skillet or arrange them over the orzo. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then serve warm.
Notes
- Half and half combines whole milk and light cream, usually containing 10-12% fat, lending richness to the dish.
- This recipe is highly versatile; you can easily incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through for safe consumption; adjust cooking time based on thickness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
