Description
Asparagus Orzo with Chicken features tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and delicious orzo pasta, all brought together in a creamy pesto sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for dinner, offering both flavor and comfort in every bite.
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
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet with the asparagus. Season and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Transfer the asparagus to the plate with the chicken.
- If needed, add a little more olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, orzo, and lemon zest, stirring to combine and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping any brown bits from the bottom. Lower the heat and cook for 9-11 minutes until the orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring often.
- Stir in the pesto, lemon juice, cream (or half and half), chicken, asparagus, and Parmesan. Mix until warmed through and the cheese melts but do not boil. Adjust seasoning and serve topped with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different flavor.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
This dish can be served warm or as a cold pasta salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg