Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Orzo Chicken Spinach recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win for homemade cooking. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Orzo
Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Stir in the cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy this easy and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure the chicken browns properly and cooks evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Squeeze out excess water from spinach: This step is crucial for preventing a watery final dish. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out all the excess water from the spinach before adding it to the skillet.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to your liking. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Lemon Orzo Chicken Spinach: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a zesty twist.
- Sun-dried Tomato Orzo Chicken Spinach: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach for an intensified flavor profile.
- Creamy Orzo Chicken Spinach: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This Orzo Chicken Spinach recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of food recipes. It's a great example of how easy it is to create healthy meals without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know what you think! We are always happy to hear from our readers and see how you've customized these best recipes to suit your preferences.