Description
This High Protein Chicken Orzo recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal packed with 30g of protein per serving. Featuring tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, all brought together in a flavorful chicken broth and finished with Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick and wholesome dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and chicken.
- Sauté garlic: Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook chicken: Add the diced 1 lb chicken breast to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in 2 cups of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth into the pan, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add vegetables: Stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the chicken orzo warm as a satisfying high-protein meal ideal for any time of the day.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breast for more flavor, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes for a flavor twist.
- Ensure constant stirring after adding orzo to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water.
