Description
Creamy one-pot Italian chicken and orzo brings Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with minimal cleanup. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken create a comforting meal that celebrates simple, delicious cooking you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Aromatics and Base: In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and dried basil, then add orzo, toasting lightly to enhance flavor profile.
- Liquid Integration: Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo becomes tender and absorbs liquid.
- Final Composition: Return chicken to the pan, folding in Parmesan cheese to create a creamy consistency. Add spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
- Finishing Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation. Serve hot, showcasing the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crisp, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir orzo frequently and use enough liquid to prevent grains from clumping or burning at the pan’s bottom.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly alternative.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs and spices briefly before adding liquid to unlock more intense, robust taste profile in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg