Description
This creamy Mediterranean chicken orzo combines flavor and comfort, making it your go-to weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- optional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 pound of diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add a finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Then, introduce 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the orzo to cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy orzo blend. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your creamy orzo directly from the skillet, garnishing with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free orzo.
- For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg