Description
Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus is a creamy, comforting one-pan skillet dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and silky Parmesan-infused orzo create a satisfying yet light weeknight meal. Garlic, butter, and cream build depth, finished with extra cheese. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights with easy cleanup and leftovers that reheat beautifully. This crowd-pleasing dish makes weeknight cooking feel special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Optional: lemon zest or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add asparagus, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet and gently mix until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- To lighten, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- For extra brightness, add lemon zest after cooking.
- Cook orzo to your preferred texture; if you like it firmer, reduce simmer time by a minute or two.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: Approximately 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus, Creamy Parmesan Orzo, One-Pan Chicken and Asparagus, 30 minute dinner, Creamy pasta, Skillet chicken pasta, Italian American