Orzo with Chicken and Asiago

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Orzo with Chicken and Asiago, a one-pan masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This quick and easy recipe combines tender, golden-brown seared chicken with toasted orzo pasta simmered to perfection in flavorful chicken broth. A rich, velvety sauce of heavy cream and Asiago cheese envelops each bite, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Finished with a squeeze of bright lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish strikes the perfect balance of hearty and fresh. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, this irresistible meal brings gourmet flair to your dining table without the fuss.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces (boneless, skinless) Chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium (diced) Yellow onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup (grated) Asiago cheese
• 2 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed) Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and ground black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it in the butter and onion mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6

While the orzo is cooking, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 7

Stir the heavy cream into the cooked orzo, followed by the grated Asiago cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Then, gently fold in the sliced chicken.

Step 9

Drizzle the lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with extra Asiago cheese if desired. Enjoy your Orzo with Chicken and Asiago!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2104.8 grams (2104.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3084

Total Fat 146.00g	187%
Saturated Fat 65.80g	329%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 548mg	183%
Sodium 5652mg	246%
Total Carbohydrate 250.40g	91%
Dietary Fiber 20.30g	73%
Total Sugars 12.60g
Protein 189.20g	378%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1080mg	83%
Iron 19mg	104%
Potassium 1112mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.8%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 32.6%