This one-pot creamy Parmesan orzo with chicken and asparagus is a cozy delight! It’s filled with tender chicken and fresh asparagus, all cooked together with cheesy orzo for a quick meal.
Who wouldn’t love a dish that only requires one pot? I whip this up when I want something comforting without the fuss of a ton of dishes. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can work too—just cook them for less time since they cook quicker.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is great for this recipe. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary with other grains.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just adjust the amount slightly to maintain the creamy consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melt. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too. Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free option, offering a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Perfectly Crispy?
Searing chicken thighs properly is key to achieving deliciously crispy skin. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to prevent it from sticking.
- Let the chicken sear without moving it for 5-6 minutes until it’s golden brown. Patience is key here!
- Flip and cook on the other side until browned. This step creates a lovely crust that adds flavor.
After searing, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps keep the juices locked in, making your dish even more flavorful!
One-Pot Creamy Parmesan Orzo With Chicken And Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend just a short time searing the chicken and then let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It’s a quick and comforting dinner option for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust when you cook them.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. After searing, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. Toast the Orzo:
In the same pot, add the orzo pasta. Toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly golden. This adds a nice nutty flavor to your dish!
4. Add the Broth and Cream:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir to mix it together well.
5. Return the Chicken and Add Asparagus:
Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot along with the trimmed asparagus pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where all those yummy flavors start to meld together!
6. Cook Until Tender:
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the orzo to be tender and the chicken to be cooked through to 165°F (75°C).
7. Stir in the Parmesan:
Once everything is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and gives a creamy texture to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the creamy orzo hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It’s comforting, rich, and sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for bone-in, skin-on. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as boneless chicken cooks faster—about 15 minutes should be sufficient for it to become fully cooked through.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Coconut cream is another great non-dairy option that will give a rich consistency!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the orzo sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. You can add other veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly—add quicker-cooking veggies like spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking!
