Parmesan Orzo A fast and delicious cream with Chicken and Asparagus that can be enjoyed at your dinner table in just 30 minutes! Cheesy, creamy, delicious goodness!
Creamy orzo parmesan, cheese, this is my type of food and the type of food that I can enjoy every night for lunch or dinner. What is not liked? You get protein, vegetables, and my favorite part, orzo Parmesan
But do you know what's great about Orzo Parmesan? How easy it is to make it and how fast it is. Orzo only takes about 10 minutes to cook! And yes, Orzo is a pasta, not rice as some people think. But this dish can also be made with rice, it will only take a little longer to cook.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (about 3)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups half and half
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium, or water
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and paprika on both sides.
- In a large skillet heat the 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your chicken you might need longer time. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate; set aside.
- In the same skillet add the asparagus and saute for about 3 minutes, just until it starts to soften and starts to brown a bit. Transfer to a plate; set aside.
- In the same skillet add the onion and garlic and saute for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes aromatic. Add more olive oil if needed.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and saute for just one minute, to get it a little toasted, this will give it a nutty flavor. Add the half and half, chicken broth and stir.
- Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low, cover with lid and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Add the asparagus back and stir it in. Slice the chicken into thin slices. You can either add it to the skillet and stir it in, or as seen in the photos, arrange over the orzo.
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese if preferred, and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Half and half is equal parts whole milk and light cream and it usually averages 10 to 12% fat, which is usually less than light cream.
This dish is quite versatile. Add more nutrition to it by adding in more veggies such as spinach, broccoli, mushrooms or peas.
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 26.7% | Vitamin C: 8.5% | Calcium: 41.9% | Iron: 12.9%
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus
4/
5
Oleh
srmo
