Healthy Risotto Boost
Ethan Sullivan
| 22-01-2026
· Cate team
Today, we’re making a healthy version of a classic Italian comfort food: chicken and asparagus risotto. This dish is creamy and satisfying but lighter than traditional recipes because we balance olive oil and Parmesan with fresh ingredients and lean protein.
We love it because it’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients We Need
For 2–3 servings, we’ll gather:
- 475ml low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- 8g minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 300g boneless, skinless chicken, cut into cubes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (for sautéing onion and rice)
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 230g long-grain rice (or brown rice for more fiber)
- 120ml extra chicken broth (optional)
- 200g fresh asparagus, cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 40g grated Parmesan cheese (or light alternative)
Preparing everything in advance makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Broth
Materials: 475ml chicken broth, 300g chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, 8g garlic
1. Pour the chicken broth into a small saucepan, bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and keep warm.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes).
6. Remove the chicken and set aside.
This ensures our chicken stays tender and ready to mix in later without overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare Rice and Onion
Materials: 2 tsp olive oil, ½ medium onion, 230g rice
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. Chop the onion finely.
3. In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute until soft and translucent.
5. Add the rice and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the grains become slightly opaque.
Toasting the rice lightly releases its nutty aroma and improves the final texture of the risotto.
Step 3: Add Asparagus and Liquid
Materials: 200g asparagus, 120ml chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1. Chop asparagus into small pieces (about 2–3 cm long).
2. Add the chicken broth and asparagus to the rice. Stir constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed (2–3 minutes).
3. Stir constantly until the liquid aroma has mostly evaporated (2–3 minutes).
This step infuses flavor into the rice while keeping asparagus tender-crisp.
Step 4: Gradually Add Broth
Materials: 475ml chicken broth, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp basil, salt and pepper
1. Add 1/3 of the warm chicken broth to the rice. Stir constantly until the liquid is absorbed (8–10 minutes).
2. Repeat with the second third of the broth, stirring continuously.
3. Sprinkle in dried oregano and basil.
4. Add the final third of the broth and stir until fully absorbed (another 8–10 minutes).
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Gradually adding broth ensures a creamy, smooth texture without needing heavy cream.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Cheese
Materials: cooked chicken, 40g Parmesan cheese
1. Fold the cooked chicken cubes back into the risotto.
2. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently until the risotto is creamy and well combined.
3. Ensure the asparagus stays bright green and the chicken remains tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. Plate the risotto hot, either in individual bowls or on serving plates.
2. Optionally, serve with a side salad or whole-grain bread.
We love this dish because it combines creamy rice, tender chicken, and fresh asparagus while staying healthy. It’s a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and comfort.
Our Cooking Tips
- Use brown rice for added fiber.
- Stir constantly to achieve a creamy, smooth texture naturally.
- Fresh ingredients always make a difference—choose high-quality chicken and bright green asparagus.
We hope this detailed step-by-step guide encourages us all to cook more healthy meals at home. Once mastered, this chicken and asparagus risotto will become a favorite for any occasion!
Enjoy Cooking and Sharing
Cooking this healthy chicken and asparagus risotto reminds us that nutritious meals can be both delicious and satisfying. We love how simple ingredients come together to create creamy, flavorful rice with tender chicken and fresh asparagus.
We encourage us all to try this recipe, experiment with small variations, and make it our own. Maybe we’ll add extra herbs, try brown rice for more fiber, or pair it with a crisp salad. The joy of cooking comes not only from the final dish but also from sharing it with family and friends.
So let’s put on our aprons, stir patiently, and enjoy the process. Every bite is a reward, and every meal brings us a little closer together. Happy cooking, and let’s savor this healthy, comforting risotto together!
How to make Chicken and Asparagus Risotto
Video by Chef Mooney