Description
Creamy, lemony Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus made in one pan for an easy, comforting dinner packed with fresh flavors and tender bites.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken and asparagus:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 lemon (juiced + zest)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the base:
- 3/4 cup leeks (thinly sliced)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the orzo:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup water
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Trim and cut asparagus. Slice leeks, mince garlic, juice and zest lemon, chop parsley, and crumble cheese. - Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. - Cook Asparagus
In the same skillet, cook asparagus for 6–9 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Remove and set aside with chicken. - Build Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add olive oil, then cook leeks for 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute. - Toast and Cook Orzo
Add orzo and toast for 3–4 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender. - Combine and Finish
Return chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Stir in Boursin cheese until melted and creamy. Cover and let rest for 4–5 minutes. - Final Touch
Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- Toasting the orzo adds a subtle nutty flavor and improves texture.
- Letting the dish rest helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter finish.
- Substitute cream cheese with herbs if Boursin is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg