Ingredients:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
8 ounces dry orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/3 cup half and half (or milk)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
Sear Chicken: In a large, high-sided pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and asparagus for about 2 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted.
Add Broth and Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is tender, stirring halfway through.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in half and half, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4
#HighProtein #ChickenOrzo #OnePotMeal #HealthyDinner #EasyRecipe
