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+ servings
Ranis

One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo: A Quick Delight!

A quick and delicious one-pot meal featuring Italian chicken and orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Once cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

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.

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