Description

Enjoy the delicious blend of chicken and asparagus in this flavorful Asparagus Orzo with Chicken dish. Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal option, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a satisfying homemade experience.

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

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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 hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping. Once fully cooked, remove from skillet.
Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the asparagus, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then remove with the chicken.
If necessary, add a little more olive oil to the skillet and stir in the onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add garlic, orzo, and lemon zest. Stir before letting it cook for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 9-11 minutes or until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring often.
Mix in pesto, lemon juice, heavy cream (or half and half), chicken, asparagus, and Parmesan cheese into the orzo. Stir until warmed through and cheese melts. Avoid boiling. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more flavor.
You can add more vegetables like peas or spinach to enhance nutrition.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference for tanginess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 561
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg