Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan orzo dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy orzo dish is customizable with your favorite protein and vegetables, offering minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat in oil.
- Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in cooked protein, spinach/kale, cherry tomatoes, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if it becomes too dry.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this easy orzo dinner.
Notes
- For a vegetarian orzo dinner, use vegetable broth and chickpeas or white beans.
- Swap spinach for arugula or peas.
- Add raw shrimp with 5-6 minutes remaining in cooking time.
- For extra creaminess, stir in heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
- This orzo meal reheats well; add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (varies with protein choice)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A