Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Chicken breast tenders are ideal as they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great. Just shred it and toss it in at the end!

Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks nicely and absorbs flavors. Instead, use any small pasta like ditalini or couscous if orzo isn’t available.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh, frozen spinach can substitute well. Just thaw and drain it before using.

Cherry Tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness. Grape tomatoes are a good substitute. You could also use diced bell peppers for a different twist.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How Do I Make Sure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking orzo might seem tricky, but it’s actually quite straightforward. The key is to manage the heat and timing. Here’s how:

• When you add orzo to the hot skillet, stir it quickly in the oil for a couple of minutes. This helps prevent clumping.
• Make sure not to boil it too rapidly – a gentle simmer is best!
• Check the orzo a minute or two before the time is up. It should be al dente – tender but still firm to the bite.
• If it absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a splash of water or broth as it cooks.

By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked orzo every time! Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dish:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders or thin chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (oregano or basil) for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This meal takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking process will take about 20 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Make sure they’re evenly coated for the best flavor!

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and stir for about another minute until it smells wonderfully fragrant!

4. Cook the Orzo:

Now, pour in the orzo pasta. Give it a good stir to ensure it gets coated with the flavorful oil and toasts slightly for about 1-2 minutes. This step adds a nice depth of flavor!

5. Add Liquids:

Next, pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir everything together to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

6. Simmer:

Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Add Veggies:

Gently stir in those lovely halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened a bit.

8. Finish with Cheese:

Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it has melted into the orzo. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

9. Combine:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Let it warm through for another 1-2 minutes.

10. Serve:

Finally, garnish your dish with some freshly chopped herbs and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!

And that’s it! A delightful dish packed with flavor and veggies that you can whip up in no time. Enjoy your cooking!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo or Another Pasta Type?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo can add extra fiber to the dish. You can also substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa if you want a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach? Can I Use Frozen?

Yes, frozen spinach works just fine! Make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dish, and stir it in towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture if needed.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time for convenience. Just cook everything up to the point of adding the cheese, then store it in the fridge and finish cooking on the day you plan to serve it!