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Close up of creamy chicken orzo with asparagus and tomatoes in a large pot with a spoon.

Chicken Orzo Recipe

Katerina | Diethood
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 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked according to the directions on the package
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 pound asparagus, ends cut, and chopped into 2-inch pieces
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk you can use skim, 2%, or whole milk
  • ½ cup shredded 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.
  • Serve.

Notes

  • 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 383 kcal | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g | Trans Fat: 0.1 g | Cholesterol: 62 mg | Sodium: 268 mg | Potassium: 734 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 1136 IU | Vitamin C: 23 mg | Calcium: 162 mg | Iron: 3 mg

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