Description
Mediterranean chicken orzo celebrates coastal flavors with tender chicken nestled in herb-infused pasta. Zesty lemon and fresh parsley elevate this quick weeknight dinner, promising a delicious journey through Greek-inspired comfort cuisine you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 cup (240 ml) orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 grams) carrots, sliced
- 1 cup (30 grams) baby spinach
Liquid, Seasonings, and Cheese:
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cookware over medium temperature until shimmering.
- Introduce seasoned chicken cubes, searing until golden-brown on each surface. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same cookware to caramelize diced onions and minced garlic, creating a fragrant base with translucent vegetables.
- Incorporate orzo, gently tossing to coat with residual oil and develop a light toasted essence for approximately 2 minutes.
- Stream chicken broth into the mixture, elevating heat to achieve a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Fold in julienned carrots and delicate baby spinach leaves, allowing ingredients to meld and soften for 10-12 minutes.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the simmering mixture, sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and stirring until a luxurious, creamy consistency develops.
- Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately while maintaining optimal warmth.
Notes
- Quick-toasting the orzo in oil before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and prevents clumping.
- Using bone-in chicken can intensify the dish’s richness and provide more depth of flavor.
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, substitute orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to maintain similar texture and cooking method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg