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Asparagus-Orzo-with-Chicken-Recipe

Asparagus Orzo with Chicken

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  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Treat your taste buds to Asparagus Orzo with Chicken, a delightful dish made with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, combining amazing flavors in just one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite sized pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped asparagus
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion (or shallot)
  • 2 cloves garlic (1 teaspoon) (grated or minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, spreading it in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping to cook through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the chopped asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Remove asparagus to the plate with chicken.
  4. If necessary, drizzle in more olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, orzo, and lemon zest, stirring to combine and cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping any brown bits from the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 9-11 minutes until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
  6. Mix in the pesto, lemon juice, half and half (or heavy cream), chicken, asparagus, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until warmed through, being careful not to boil. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, use homemade or high-quality chicken broth.
Make it lighter by substituting half and half with milk or a non-dairy milk alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Find it online: https://cosyhomerecipes.com/asparagus-orzo-with-chicken/