Description
A quick and delicious one-pot meal featuring Italian chicken and orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot and cover. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast or use vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg