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Chicken with Orzo and Asparagus Easy Dinner Recipe

This is an easy dinner recipe that is ready in less than 45 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Boneless Chicken Breast Pieces
  • 2 tsp each Salt/Pepper or to taste
  • 4 tbsp Paprika *I was extremely liberal in covering my chicken
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Asparagus, cut into 1" pieces. *be sure to trim the ends off
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 3 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 2 cups Orzo, uncooked
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream *you can also use half and half
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Mix salt, pepper and paprika together in a small bowl.  Coat both sides of chicken with spice mixture.  Add more paprika, if you desire more flavor.  I was very generous with my spices!
  • In a large skillet heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat.  Sear both sides of the chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes. Place in a greased baking dish and place in oven to finish cooking. 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
  • In the same skillet add the asparagus and saute for about 3-5 minutes.  Just until the pieces start to soften a touch.  Set aside in a separate dish.
  • In same skillet, add onion, garlic and sate for about 3 minutes.  Just until onion and garlic are soften and become fragrant.  Add a touch more olive oil, if needed.
  • Toast orzo in skillet with onion and garlic until toasted.. 1-2 minutes.  Add heavy cream and chicken broth.  Stir until boiling.  Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium/low and cover with lid.  Let cook for 10 minutes and stir in 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese.   Continue stirring and cooking until cheese is melted.  
  • Place baked chicken breast on top of the orzo and asparagus in skillet and serve!  Garnish with remaining shredded Parmesan cheese!  And now you have another Easy dinner recipe!