One Pot Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

For 4 servings

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders cubed into 1” pieces)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ½ cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 a medium onion)
• 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus spears (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 garlic cloves)
• 8 ounces dry orzo
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (can sub 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
• ⅓ cup milk
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish