Description
This delicious Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken with toasted orzo pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs simmered in savory chicken broth. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains and Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta – uncooked
Vegetables
- 1 onion – finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
- 1 cup spinach – fresh, packed
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking
- 2 cups chicken broth – for flavor
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for flavor
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Garnishes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for garnish
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful chicken orzo meal.
Notes
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast yourself.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green vegetable twist.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
