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Creamy Parmesan Orzo Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Creamy Parmesan Orzo with tender chicken and fresh asparagus, cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of lemon, perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo and Broth

  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still crisp.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Orzo and Finish: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. Stir in the lemon juice and taste to adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Parmesan orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook the asparagus to maintain its crunch and vibrant color.
  • If preferred, use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian (omit chicken or substitute with tofu).
  • Parmesan cheese can be freshly grated or pre-grated, but fresh is recommended for better flavor and melting.
  • Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Orzo, chicken orzo recipe, asparagus orzo, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, Italian pasta dish

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/creamy-parmesan-orzo-recipe/