Description
Mediterranean-inspired one pot chicken orzo delivers a comforting meal packed with herbs and Mediterranean flavors. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying dish that brings robust ingredients together in minimal cooking time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Pasta and Grains:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) orzo pasta
Fresh Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (30 grams) spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Cheese:
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
- 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
- Introduce seasoned chicken cubes into the hot pan, searing until golden brown and developing rich caramelized edges. Transfer cooked protein to a separate plate.
- Using the same pot, sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics. Introduce minced garlic and quickly stir to prevent burning.
- Cascade orzo into the fragrant mixture, stirring to coat grains with residual oils and aromatics.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing liquid to reach a vigorous boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, reintroduce browned chicken pieces, scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fold in fresh spinach leaves.
- Continue cooking approximately 8-10 minutes, monitoring orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese, gently folding to integrate and create a creamy texture.
- Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
- Customize protein by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and accommodate heart-healthy diets.
- Choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum burst of sweetness and vibrant color in the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg