This creamy Parmesan orzo with chicken and asparagus is a warm hug for your taste buds! It’s filled with tender chicken pieces, crunchy asparagus, and a cheesy flavor that just makes you smile.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up! Just cook the orzo, toss everything together, and you have a yummy meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is key for texture. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. However, you can swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor, or even use rotisserie chicken for an easier option.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds crunch and nutrition. If it’s out of season, you can use green beans or frozen peas as a substitute. Both cook quickly and can give a nice color to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep an eye on how it affects the flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to perfection ensures your dish is tender and juicy. Start by seasoning your chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; this builds essential flavor. When cooking, make sure your skillet is hot enough so the chicken browns nicely.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer if unsure; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing to keep juices locked in.
Taking these simple steps will help you achieve that perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing your ingredients and cooking the chicken, then approximately 15-20 minutes cooking everything together to create a deliciously creamy dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with a sprinkle of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will ensure they are flavorful all the way through!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for them to turn a nice golden brown and be cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you need to; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly. After a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step adds a great nutty flavor!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the orzo is tender but still a bit firm (al dente). Don’t forget to keep an eye on it to prevent sticking!
5. Add the Asparagus:
About 4 minutes before the orzo is done cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir everything together to make sure the asparagus cooks evenly and stays crisp.
6. Make It Creamy:
Once the orzo is cooked and the asparagus is tender-crisp, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine It All:
Finally, return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir it in gently to warm it up. This will make sure every bite is full of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious dish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Pasta?
Definitely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes such as couscous, ditalini, or small shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This will still give you a creamy texture and cheesy flavor!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook everything, but leave out the cream and Parmesan until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently in a skillet and then stir in the cream and cheese for a fresh taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the orzo moist during the reheating process.
