This rich and creamy chicken orzo recipe is loaded with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and ripe, juicy tomatoes tossed together with orzo pasta in a creamy sauce.
Servings : 6
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 25 minutesmins
Total Time 40 minutesmins
Ingredients
1cuporzo pasta,cooked according to the directions on the package
3tablespoonsolive oil
1poundboneless, skinless chicken breasts,cubed
1poundasparagus,ends cut, and chopped into 2-inch pieces
salt and fresh ground black pepper,to taste
1pintcherry tomatoes,halved
For the Sauce
2tablespoonsolive oil
1tablespoonbutter
3teaspoonsall-purpose flour
1cupchicken broth
½cupmilkyou can use skim, 2%, or whole milk
½cupshredded parmesan cheese
salt and fresh ground black pepper,to taste
Instructions
Prepare orzo per directions on the box. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and asparagus; season with salt and pepper and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is cooked and browned on all sides.
Add tomatoes and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tomatoes are tender; set aside.
Heat olive oil and melt butter in a separate large pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with flour and whisk to combine, whisking and cooking for 1 to 2 minutes.
Whisk in the chicken broth until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer; allow to cook for 1 minute or until thickened.
Remove from heat, add parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper; stir until the cheese is melted.
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce with the chicken, asparagus, and tomato mixture. Toss well to combine. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if needed.
Vegetables: Swap the asparagus for other options like broccoli, celery, carrots, kale, peas, or any veggies you have available.
Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider using shrimp, steak bites, or crumbled cooked bacon.
Herbs: Add flavor with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Orzo: If you don't have orzo, make this recipe with penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or long pasta varieties.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken orzo recipe, orzo with chicken recipe, recipe for chicken orzo